SEAN Walkinshaw is relishing tackling the Moscow Raceway when the fourth round of the Blancpain Sprint Series takes place in the Russian capital this weekend.

The Chipping Norton-based driver and MRS GT-Racing teammate Craig Dolby head to Russia ninth in the drivers’ standings.

They have claimed one podium finish so far in the Sprint Series, which was secured at the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit in May, during the qualification race for round two.

The race has undergone a late switch of venue.

Originally scheduled to take place on a street circuit in the city, but construction work has prevented it from going ahead.

Instead, the championship will make its Russian bow at the FIA-approved circuit in the Volokolamsky district, 60 miles to the west.

And 21-year-old Walkinshaw is determined to challenge for his second podium of the year, as well as close the points gap to the championship leaders as they reach the halfway stage of the season.

“Moscow should be fantastic,” said Walkinshaw.

“I’m really looking forward to racing there for the first time and pretty confident it should be a strong weekend.

“We’ve been competitive since the start of the season, the car has been fantastic all year, so there’s no reason that shouldn’t continue.

“We need to take away some good points from both races, hopefully we can.”