Tom Coronel is hoping for an exciting opening TCR Europe race of the season at the Slovakiaring, after the Comtoyou Racing driver claimed pole position and admitted that he hopes for a close fight.
The dutchman proved that he once again has the edge around the Slovakian circuit, claiming pole position ahead of the CUPRA of Mikel Azcona by over a tenth of a second.
Last year, Coronel was victorious at the circuit in the FIA World Touring Car Cup, whilst he also won at the venue back in 2013 in the World Touring Car Championship.
Coronel admits that he isn’t quite sure why he goes so well around the circuit, although all three of the Comtoyou Racing Audi RS3 cars were on the pace in qualifying, with Coronel’s team-mates Nicolas Baert and Dušan Borković close behind in third and fourth respectively.
“I don’t know why but this circuit always suits me,” said Coronel. “In testing I have always been the fastest with the team and as you know from the races in WTCR and WTCC I won three here, so I don’t know.
“I like the circuit, the circuit is good to me and it’s good on heating the tyre with the car so you have to be gentle at the right points.
“I think I did that without any big mistakes so I’m very happy. The start of the season is starting very well with the first race to take pole position.”
When asked about his prediction for Saturday afternoon’s race, Coronel wouldn’t be drawn on whether he is confident of converting to victory, instead insisting he’d rather have a close fight with those behind him.
“Predictions? This is TCR. I like touring car racing, as you know. My brother Tim even says ‘what are you driving’ and I said WTCR and TCR Europe, so he said he’s going to watch TCR Europe because the fights are so big.
“I hope we will have a good fight with all the guys. You know my style – I’d rather come second with a big fight and a big smile than to win the race by ten seconds, because that’s boring!”