Jordi Oriola shines in Macau, but collision with brother Pepe costs him a podium

Jordi Oriola finished fifth in the first race in Macau, but was forced to retire from the second heat whilst running in third position after contact with his older brother Pepe.

The 19-year-old Target Competition driver had been running with eventual winner Stefano Comini and his brother Pepe Oriola at the front of the field during the Guia Race of Macau, but when Comini and Pepe made contact at Lisboa, damage to the radiator of Pepe’s car saw him suddenly slow his Craft-Bamboo SEAT, with Jordi unable to avoid hitting him in the rear and damaging his own SEAT’s air intake.

“It was unfortunate, and it adds insult to injury knowing I hit Pepe,” said Oriola to TouringCarTimes. “Unfortunately his car gave up when I was very close to him, and I couldn’t avoid him. It was a shame, I was quick.”

The accident caused the Spaniard’s air intake to close, allowing no cooling air into the engine and eventually forcing him to stop.

“I wanted to take a good result, because I have been quick all weekend and I knew I could fight for a win in the second race. I am still happy because I performed well, and I couldn’t have avoided the accident, so I will take the good side of it and hopefully I will use this experience again next year.”