Photo: ETC Media

Quotes from the top drivers at Braga

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The European Touring Car Cup 2009 commenced at Braga in Portugal yesterday with three practice sessions. One of the sessions was stopped early because of the rain. But James Thompson enjoyed the conditions.
“Good old English weather today! It was a helping hand. It was good. In the first session I was just learning the circuit and then I started focusing on the car, which is working very well even in mixed conditions,” said Thompson.

“We had to adjust the set up to the ETCC tyres, of course, to be sure that we are ok for the dry and the wet. So I don’t really mind the weather…”

World Touring Car Championship driver Franz Engstler was second fastest in the third and final practice session.

“I used the first session only to get used to the track. With the wet in the second session I felt very comfortable and I completed a good number of laps that helped me working on the set up.

I think that I have found a good compromise now that should enable me to set some quick laps, but also to be consistent in the races,” said Engstler.

Double ETC Cup champion Michel Nykjaer was fifth fastest and was pleased with the performance of his Chevrolet in the wet.

“The track is narrow, like those we have in Denmark. I think we have good chances especially because we have proved that we can be very fast in the wet.

I expect a very exciting qualifying session tomorrow. The level of competition is very high, with Thompson, the diesel SEAT and some good Honda and BMW cars. It will be tough!” said Nykjaer.

Norbert Michelisz was focused on getting used to the diesel SEAT Léon, for the first time ever in the hands of a privateer, during the practice sessions at Braga.

“It was not easy today, because I had to learn how to drive the TDI car on a track I did not know and in changeable weather conditions. I must say that the car is difficult to drive in the wet, so I wish it will be dry tomorrow and on Sunday.

However, my experience with the León turbo we drive in the Eurocup helped me to handle the turbo diesel engine,” said Michelisz.