Campos Racing’s Dušan Borković became the first-ever driver from Serbia to score a podium in a world championship motor racing event by finishing second in race two of the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) in Japan.
Borković hailed the first podium as “phenomenal” after following home eventual winner Gabriele Tarquini to take the hard-earned position. Borković duly converted his first front row start in the series into his first-ever podium in the WTCC.
“It was phenomenal!,” said an ecstatic Borković. “I won because of the great support from my wife and family, as well as my team and my fans. I knew I could be competitive because I felt I was faster than [Tiago] Monteiro in the first race. I didn’t want to risk in the first race, but yet managed to even pass Monteiro.
“I had a tactic in the second race not to use up my tyres and to slowly try to get to Tarquini and try to fight for P1, but I lost a few seconds when [Norbert] Michelisz and I fought for a position. Luckily I managed to save my position and my car wasn’t damaged after the duel.”
Prior to his first podium, Borković had endured a difficult first season in the WTCC which saw him score just four points finishes. However on Sunday the Campos Racing driver managed to more than double to his points tally in just one weekend and move up to 14th in the drivers’ championship.
Borković thanked his supporters who have so far helped him to become the most successful Serbian racing driver.
“I am so grateful to all of you who believed in me this season,” continued Borković. “My team, my country, sponsors, Prime minister [Aleksandar] Vučić, President [Tomislav] Nikolić and other Serbian government representatives who understand the meaning of the Serbian flag flying in an FIA World Championship.”