First podium on BTCC return for Fabrizio Giovanardi

Fabrizio Giovanardi secured a popular first podium on his BTCC return at Thruxton – and revealed he was fighting his car and the track as well as his competitors to achieve it.

The Italian finished 10th in the second race in his Ford Focus ST, and drew himself out of the bowl for reverse grid pole in the final race.

The Motorbase Performance machine was passed by Colin Turkington on lap one, but Giovanardi was able to keep his car near the front despite two safety car periods closing the pack back up.

Speaking to TouringCarTimes, Giovanardi said: “I was still fighting with the guys, with the car and with the circuit! Honestly, I never had the pace to lead the race.

“I lost the car at the second corner [on lap one], as we had a big change between the second and third race, and the reaction was completely different.

“I was lucky to keep the rear, and I was very lucky not to have spun.

“In the restarts, it was difficult to have the pace in the front, maybe the tyres were low. One lap was difficult, the second lap was better.

“On the [second] restart Mat [Jackson] was back to me, and I said if he’s faster than me, I let him past. In the end we finish third. I’m happy, but not satisfied completely!”