Pepe Oriola sure Honda will fight back in qualifying

Pepe Oriola set the pace in both Free Practice sessions today in Singapore. The Spaniard is very happy with the combination of the street track and his Craft-Bamboo Lukoil SEAT León Racer.

“It was very hot, but I loved the track,” said the Spaniard. “We changed quite a few things between the first and second session and the car improved much, but I think this is also due to the track getting cleaner and faster. I am pretty satisfied with the balance, but the results do not mean much. I am sure the Honda cars will be much faster tomorrow in qualifying.”

Despite his concerns over the real pace of the opposition, the championship leader is confident for the remainder of the weekend: “I am elated that, despite the ballast, I was the fastest on the track and this gives me confidence for Qualifying tomorrow and the two races. I will try to be careful because I have to think about the championship. The car is going well and I felt very comfortable on this street track, although I had never raced here before. I have to be aware that tomorrow will be very tough, but I’m confident I can deliver.”

Oriola also praised the atmosphere and the wide audience watching the action trackside, due to the TCR International Series being part of the FIA Formula One World Championship support package: “What we are living these days in Singapore is great and people are looking at us and this championship, so we will offer the best possible show this weekend.”

Oriola leads the championship by two points over SEAT stable-mate Stefano Comini.