Stefano Comini says that securing his first TCR International Series pole position at the wheel of an Audi RS3 was ‘very emotional’ having set the fastest time in qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps.
Comini beat new team-mate Frédéric Vervisch to the top time by a mere 0.067 seconds in Q2, securing the first pole for Audi at the top level of TCR.
After qualifying, the Swiss racer was full of praise for both the car and his new team, who are in just their third meeting in TCR.
“Comtoyou Racing did an amazing job in such a short time and we worked hard to improve the setup,” said Comini. “We knew the Audi RS3 LMS has a huge potential and we showed that potential with this pole position.
“It’s very emotional to do it in Spa and to do it with two cars on the front row. I’m very happy for Fred Vervisch, for Comtoyou and for Audi.
“Sorry I didn’t manage to take Eau Rouge flat out as I promised, but it was very slippery and we ran with almost no wing and so it was a very nervous car. I tried, but it was too dangerous.”
Comini’s team-mate Vervisch admits that to be on the front row of the grid has come as a surprise, given his lack of experience with the car.
The Belgian also adds that he is apprehensive about the race starts, having previously raced rear-wheel drive and GT machinery.
“Yesterday, I really didn’t expect we would be P2 in qualifying,” admitted Vervisch. “Okay, we were quick, but the new guys have the new tyres and so it’s difficult to see what is really happening. Today, we were in contention to have pole but I had a bit of traffic at the end.
“I’m very happy for the team as it’s quite rare to have two cars on the front row and we just have to enjoy the moment.
“I’ve never done a racing start in a front wheel drive car, even though I made a few practice starts yesterday, so that might be my weak point.”