Rob Huff targeting victory in the first race of 2016 for Honda

Honda’s Rob Huff is hoping to secure victory in his first race for Honda on Sunday, starting on the front row of the grid for the first race, which now features the top ten reversed grid, after qualifying in ninth position at Paul Ricard.

The 2012 champion initially set the tenth fastest time, but was promoted following the exclusion of Polestar Cyan Racing driver Thed Björk, and so moves one place up for the second race, but a spot further behind for race one, relinquishing pole position to the team he used to drive for, with Lada’s Hugo Valente now starting just ahead.

“Starting from the front row for tomorrow’s opening race gives us a great opportunity to start the season with a race victory for Honda, and it’s something that we’ll work very hard to achieve”, said Huff.

“We have to be realistic that pole is as a result of a reversed grid and that it will be a challenge to come through the field from ninth in the main race. I had a slight issue with straightline speed, which cost me some time to Tiago and Norbi, but the team is already analysing the data and will have the car in excellent shape tomorrow. We can also take a lot of confidence from Tiago’s pace, as it means the car has taken a big step forwards on last year.”