Jean-Karl Vernay paid tribute to Leopard Racing WRT after claiming the TCR International Series title at the Dubai Autodrome.
The Frenchman made a poor getaway and was forced to slot in behind temporary team-mate Gordon Shedden in third on the opening lap.
Though he was forced to relent the position to both James Nash and a resurgent Gabriele Tarquini, a puncture for the latter and a mistake by Craft-Bamboo racer Nash into Turn 6 allowed Vernay to take the final spot on the podium, and with it the title.
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Tassi fought hard from tenth on the grid but ultimately could only follow Vernay’s Volkswagen Golf GTi TCR home in fifth.
“I don’t know yet [how to feel],” admitted Vernay.
“The race was difficult, I was on the outside on the grid of course, so already we were in danger.
“The race was difficult because I had some braking issues and the James Nash passed me and I was following him. It was pretty OK as we were quicker than the Hondas.
“After the safety car Attila was taking and putting me under pressure. I’m happy – I had to have a change of engine, of course, but it didn’t really work.
“It was a little bit stressful, but I’m now just really happy. Thanks to all the team, all the sponsors involved. It’s been a difficult season, [especially as] we started with one car.”
Vernay took a calculated risk in challenging Nash for third on the final tour of the circuit with Tassi looming in his rear-view mirrors, but placed faith in the Brit and cleanly passed on the inside line of Turn 7.
“I don’t know if James had an issue but he was really slow at the end and I knew that at some point I had to overtake him because I wanted to be safe on the last lap.
“I’m supposed to be an experienced guy and a title contender and I used my experience and I’m happy that it worked. I know that James is a smart driver and he wasn’t going to do anything crazy, especially as I’m fighting for the championship.”
TouringCars.net will have more exclusive reaction to follow with the newly-crowned 2017 TCR International Series champion.