LADA’s Nicky Catsburg admits that he is ‘disappointed’ to have missed out on pole for the Main World Touring Car Championship race in Shanghai, with the Dutchman pipped to the top time by the seemingly indomitable José María López.
Catsburg was the first driver to post as time in the all-important Q3 session, putting in a strong 1:49.500 to post the fastest lap of the day so far.
But his lap would prove to be not quite good enough, with Citroën’s triple champion López then usurping Catsburg with a lap 0.161 seconds faster.
“For the first time in my WTCC career I am disappointed to be in P2,” said Catsburg, who would have added to the pole he secured earlier in the year. “I thought when I did the time it was good enough for pole position but I guess if I am going to be beaten by someone with a lap like I did it would be him [López].”
Catsburg added that a reduction in the amount of compensation weight that the Russian cars have to carry has definitely improved the performance of the yellow Vestas.
“We had 50 kilos less than during the last few weekends and this explains the jump we made. To be honest I expected a bit more. We were struggling in the practice sessions, but in qualifying we are usually quite OK.
“I am worried a little bit about the races tomorrow but hopefully I will get two good starts and it will be OK.
“I am going to try my best and hopefully we have some good starts and I can fight with the Citroën boys.”