Photo: TCR Media

Sergey Afanasyev ready to help team-mates in Monza

Sergey Afanasyev failed to reach the top ten in today’s test session in Monza, Italy, coming home 13th in his Craft-Bamboo Lukoil SEAT León. Despite this, the Russian is upbeat and enjoys the challenge:

” I was expecting something like this,” admitted Afanasyev to TouringCarTimes. ” I can tell there’s a lot of experience to be gained on this track with the front wheel drive, because a mistake can cost you a lot due to the long straights. It was good to learn a bit, I did two outings, which is enough before the event, and we will see how it goes from tomorrow on.”

The Russian praised the atmosphere of the Italian circuit:” I like being in Italy, I love this place, also because of its history. I just love the old Monza circuit, the oval. I’ve been there before it was resurfaced and I remember looking at the cracks in the tarmac and thinking “this is where history was made”, it was fantastic.”

” Of course I do like the current layout,” added the Craft-Bamboo Lukoil driver.” It is very interesting but also really tough, because qualifying will be about slipstreaming.”

Speaking of which, the Russian admits he is not sure he will be able to make the most out of the team work in Monza, due to his lack of experience at doing it:” It’s like gambling for me, because these two guys (team-mates Pepe Oriola and Jordi Gené) are professionals, and I’m a bit of a rookie in this game, so honestly I’m not expecting to gain too much from slipstreaming. All I will try to do is giving the boys good tow and just do my best in the meantime, I really have to learn to do it properly. The main thing is to help them.”

Faithful to his renowned team spirit, when asked about his goals for the race Afanasyev replied:” I have none for me really, I only hope our team will win a race… Or maybe two!”

Action will resume tomorrow at 9.30 for the first Free Practice session.