Thed Björk admits that he still needs to ‘get the feeling’ for his new Hyundai i30 N TCR, after he lost the lead of the first FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) race in Morocco at the very start.
The reigning WTCC champion got away from the line much slower than fellow Hyundai racer Gabriele Tarquini when the lights went out, and he was unable to mount a serious challenge thereafter.
The Swede feels that he still has a lot to learn about the car, which Tarquini already knows due to his experience in developing the chassis throughout 2017.
“I tried to get away as good as possible but it takes some time to learn the car,” explained Björk. “He knows it from the beginning, I will get on top of that and get the feeling for it.
“Apart from the start otherwise it felt good balance-wise but like Gabriele said this track is tough on the cars and warm for the drivers as well.
“He just left at the start I tried to push him a bit to see if he would make a mistake or where I could overtake him but he didn’t want to open the door anywhere. No, he did a good job and I feel good because you have to finish the race to get the points.”
Björk was in positive spirits after the race, having started with a podium and still having two more races on Sunday in which to deliver results.
“It feels good to be here in the press conference. I started the season last year in second position so it’s a good sign.”