Mexico comments from the drivers

The World Touring Car Championship race in Mexico became a complete SEAT-story. A SEAT 1-2 in the first race was exceeded by the historical 1-2-3-4-5-6 in the second race. Jordi Gené won the first race and Tiago Monteiro the second race. Here follow comments from the top scoring drivers of the weekend.

Jordi Gené

“I had a very good race, but with two laps to go I tried to take it easy and my car went sideways but luckily I managed to accelerate out of the dirty part and get the rhythm again. It wasn’t tactics to leave Rydell closing the gap; I was pushing very hard maximum for 6-7 laps, and then I thought I could take it slower. However even though I told myself I would not touch any kerbs in the last three laps, I went off, so I had to push like hell for the last two laps to win the race.”

Tiago Monteiro

“We are just very happy and excited. We were quick from the beginning of the weekend but in qualifying unfortunately we had the turbo charger failure. In this altitude it is very difficult to regulate everything as well as what we would do at a normal track at sea level. But I was able to finish seventh in the first race. My aim in the second race was to get a good start, and after that it was a matter of concentrating. The car was we balanced and I was able to pull away.”

Rickard Rydell

“I am happy with another second, I was settling with third position and quite pleased to finish on the podium twice. I knew I couldn’t get past Gabriele (Tarquini) because the cars were too close in terms of lap times. However, I was a little quicker on that lap and he made a little mistake, and I just got past. I was able to get a gap between us, and when I made a mistake on the next lap he was unable to pass. I think the key was my start as I got past both Larini and Coronel into the first corner.“

Nicola Larini

“I had a very good start and we were side by side into the first corner, I don’t know what happened as I was driving as normal into turn 6. I went straight but had problems and suddenly Rydell was overtaking me. I think today was the best I could do considering the altitude. I am very happy to get my first podium so early in the season. If you had told me before I left home I would be third I would have been very pleased.”

Gabriele Tarquini

“I am quite happy. SEAT’s weekend was quite fantastic and we never thought it would be this good. I made a small mistake and Rickard (Rydell) was a little bit faster than me so took the position. I am really pleased to be on the podium. It’s the start of the season, there is not much difference between one or two points, as the season is very long. The most important thing is to do a fantastic job as a team.”

Pierre-Yves Corthals

“It was the perfect weekend for me and my team and are now I am joint leader in the championship with Tielemans and D’Aste. The second race was harder but I am happy with the win. It will be a big fight in Valencia, I think we will get a new version of our car and we will see what happens but I want to clinch the title this year.”