Photo: WTCC Media

Tom Coronel believes race two grid is the key to more wins

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After taking his first victory since 2011 at the Slovakiaring, leading from the reversed grid pole position and all the way until the chequered flag, the Dutch driver believes the only way the BMW can continue to win is by using the reversed grid this year.

With the BMW 320 TC fitted with the latest upgrade from Munich this weekend, new carbon fibre doors which have brought the BMW close to its minimum weight after the latest compensation weight calculations, Coronel showed strong pace throughout practice, though ultimately qualified as the best placed BMW in tenth, which also scores pole position with the reversed grid race two.

After working his way forward to fifth in race one, Coronel knew he’d have a strong car for race two and proceeded to take the first win for himself and ROAL Motorsport since Suzuka 2011.

“The car was very consistent, very nice,” said Coronel to TouringCarTimes. “We don’t have the fastest car but we have a car which is consistent and good enough for the long distances, because we are much better on the tyres. The more hot it gets and the more corners you have that’s where we’re strong.”

“I (also) took the benefit from all the people fighting behind me. Huff was fighting with Oriola and that gave me a little bit of space. Once Huff started fighting I was free.”

Looking ahead to the next race at the Hungaroring, where Norbert Michelisz won the first race whilst driving a BMW for Zengõ Motorsport, Coronel is optimistic about his chances, but only in the second race.

“In Hungary there is a possibility, but the only possibility is with the reversed grid, because with the speed we’re not there.

“That’s our only chance, you have to know when you’ve got your chances, so that will be the aim. The same with Andy Priaulx, he got the Championship once with the swapped grid.

“Let’s see how Honda and Chevrolet will fight each other. We have a saying in Holland, two dogs are fighting for the bone and the third one takes it and leaves with it, but this year it is impossible for me because the strength (of the BMW) is a little bit too much less.”