Hugo Valente says competing in Spa races “a waste of time”

Craft-Bamboo Racing’s Hugo Valente says he’s suggested the team pack up and save their tyres for Monza next week after a disastrous qualifying at Spa, where the Frenchman qualified 23rd of 24 due to a technical problem.

Valente had an electrical problem on his out lap in qualifying, forcing him to pit and was only able to return to the track for one stint in Q1, but a braking balance problem saw him unable to set a competitive time, qualifying almost seven seconds down in 23rd.

With a number of guest drivers and newcomers taking part this weekend with all-new tyres, Valente says it would be best to replicate their strategy for Monza next week.

“I was saying maybe we shouldn’t do the races and just save the tyres for Monza,” said Valente to TouringCarTimes.

“We’ll do them, but there’s no point really. All we’re doing is using tyres and putting mileage on the engine. Being realistic, I don’t think I’ll score points. It’s not like we’re the fastest around this track, so it’s a bit of a waste of time. I’m trying to think about Monza and how to score as much as possible at Monza.”

With nine new entries this weekend, six of which were racing at Spa just two weeks’ ago during the first round of the TCR Benelux series, Valente says the odds are stacked in the guest drivers’ favour.

“It’s great for the championship that there’s a lot more competition, but all the new guys have no weight and brand new tyres. I don’t think there are many TCR International drivers in the top ten,” he said.

“Also, Huff isn’t going to win a race if JK (Vernay) is second, as Rob isn’t going to win the championship after missing three events. It’s the same for Comini and Vervisch. While here (at Craft-Bamboo), Nash, Pepe and I aren’t here to help each other.”