Coronel: “I expected more from Mexico”

Privateer top runner Tom Coronel lost points in the independents trophy compared to the leader Félix Porteiro. The Dutchman expected more from the two races in Mexico.
“In all fairness I really expected a bit more this weekend. Normally I always do well here. The main reason for our sudden down change in form is the alteration of the circuit,” said Coronel.

The track has got a new surface for this year and the curbs had been heightened to keep the dirt beside the track from getting on to the track.

“There is a lot more grip than before and the kerbstones have been changed as well. In the past I used the kerbs to the maximum in order to keep my racelines as short as possible.

The slippery surface always was a good equalizer to compensate my lack of engine power compared to the opposition,” said Coronel.

Coronel finished 15th in both races and had problems with the engine temperature and one of the shock absorbers.

“I had to keep an eye on the engine temperature. It was going to a critical height so I could not stay too long in the slip stream of the cars ahead of me. Later on I got a problem with my left front shock absorber, which explains why I dropped back towards the end of the race,” said Coronel.

The gap to leading independents driver Porteiro has been extended to 23 points. But Coronel remains optimistic for the rest of the season.

“Let’s hope we will have some more luck when the championship moves back towards Europe. With a few good results we will be able to catch up again,” said Coronel.