Gilles Magnus is confident of a solid start to the opening TCR Europe race at Hockenheim as he looks to put a small off in the final moments of qualifying behind him.
The RACB National Team racer went into his final flying lap just 0.010 seconds adrift of eventual pole-sitter Josh Files’ Target Competition Hyundai i30 N TCR.
Both set personal bests in the first sector, but crucially Magnus was two tenths quicker in the middle part of the lap.
Then followed the moment that would decide the front row in Files’ favour, with Magnus going off at Turn 13 and brushing the wall.
Regardless the Belgian will start alongside from second as he looks to extend the outright championship lead his 4 points from qualifying gave him.
“The start will be really interesting – I practised a lot yesterday and so it should be okay,” explained Magnus.
“I wanted to be on pole for sure, we’re close and I think the last lap could have been better.
“In the last sector on my first lap in Q2, I didn’t push enough and so the second time I said now I’m going to take a few risks and I went into the wall.
“But still, we’re happy with P2 and I think it will be a good weekend for us; the Audi is really quick here and we should take some good points.”
The opening race from Baden-Wurttemberg is set to get underway at 13:40 BST.