17-year-old Attila Tassi leaves Georgia second in the series standings

M1RA driver Attila Tassi heads to the second round of the 2017 TCR International Series in Bahrain second in the drivers’ standings, after a great first weekend for the new Hungarian team. Tassi had a strong weekend, qualifying second and finishing fifth and second in the two races at the Rustavi circuit.

Tassi lost ground during the first race and fell behind the Zele SEAT of Ferenc Ficza, as well as the Team WRT Volkswagen of Jean-Karl Vernay and his own team-mate Roberto Colciago, but made a great start in Race 2 to move up to fourth on the reversed grid, holding off Vernay to take his best result in TCR to-date.

“I’m absolutely happy, but I’d be happier if it came in the first race,” said Tassi.

“In the second race, I made up about three or four positions at the start. In front of me was (Giacomo) Altoè in the Volkswagen and I managed to overtake him, but then Pepe (Oriola) and Hugo (Valente) were so far away, so I was just managing my tyres as Vernay was coming fast after me.”

Valente’s 30-second penalty promoted Tassi to second, which also saw him move up to second in the drivers’ standings behind Race 1 winner Davit Kajaia, just six points behind.

“The position is good for the beginning of the season and I’m looking forward to the next race,” he added.