Malaysian heat takes its toll on TCR drivers

The Malaysian heat in the TCR International Series season opener is taking its toll on the drivers and Ferenc Ficza was sick after being fastest in the second free practice session.
“I was very happy with my performance in this second session, although I really suffered from the heat and was completely dehydrated, to the point I vomited everything I had eaten in the day,” said Ficza.

The Zengõ Motorsport driver was not alone in feeling sick of the close to 40 degree celsius heat, as Sergey Afanasyev, who was fourth fastest, explains.

“It’s simply great to be part of this new adventure since the very beginning. Everything is new to me and to most of us and it’s nice to see how well things are going in this first round. The only thing I dislike is the heat, it’s like being in a sauna. I still have to adapt to front-wheel drive but things improve lap after lap. Still, I believe we won’t see a meaningful hierarchy until Qualifying tomorrow,” said Afanasyev.

Next up for the TCR drivers is qualifying at 12:30 local time tomorrow, with the warm weather set to continue.