WTCC drivers back Suzuka track swap

World Touring Car Championship drivers believe switching to Suzuka's full Formula 1 Grand Prix layout this weekend will resolve previous problems with overtaking at the Japanese venue.

The WTCC raced on the 1.2-mile Suzuka East circuit between 2011 and '13, often with processional results. Following the introduction of faster TC1 spec cars this season, the 3.6-mile Grand Prix circuit appears on the WTCC calendar for the first time.

"Last year there was no overtaking here," said ROAL Motorsport's Tom Chilton. "I think the reason behind not using the full circuit before was the cars were a bit slow. This year they're much faster. I am sure there is going to be much more overtaking this weekend.

"I have always been jealous of my brother [Marussia Formula 1 driver Max] racing on Suzuka's full circuit and at Spa, and this year I get to do them both, which I think is right as they're both FIA world championships."

Reigning WTCC champion Yvan Muller backed Chilton's views.

"To be honest, all the drivers felt it was a shame to go halfway across the world to compete on an uninteresting circuit where it was impossible to overtake," said the Citroen star. "Now our cars will be able to express themselves on a track where they can really show what they're capable of."

Muller is expected to lose his WTCC crown to Citroen team-mate Jose Maria Lopez this weekend. The Argentinean requires just 17 points, the equivalent of a second-place finish, to secure the drivers' title.

Citroen claimed the manufacturers' title at the preceding meeting at Shanghai.