Stefano Comini hails P6 as “like a pole position”

Reigning champion Stefano Comini has praised his team and the new Audi RS 3 LMS as he qualified in sixth position for the first race at Rustavi, with newfound pace in the car after struggling during practice.

“It was a big step,” said Comini to TouringCarTimes. “Q1 was a little bit crazy, as there was some miscommunication with my track limits penalty, so I didn’t know if I was in Q2 or not, and I was sure I hadn’t cut anything.

“The car was good. I can now get the car turned, as I was having a lot of problems earlier turning the car, and we made a big step. I also did a perfect lap with a great slipstream from James (Nash), I got a slipstream down the whole straight from him.”

The Swiss driver will start Race 1 from sixth on the grid, which will be fifth for the reversed grid Race 2 with the new Audi RS 3, starting between experienced Italians Roberto Colciago and Gianni Morbidelli.

“This is like a pole position for me, as with a new car and how far behind we were in Free Practice 1 and 2, in Q1 the car was better, but in Q2 with a second set of tyres it was really good. My target (on race day) is to take points, the team’s done an amazing job.”