Aurélien Panis delighted after securing best possible result with Race 2 pole

Aurélien Panis will start the second race in Thailand from pole position in his Boutsen Ginion Racing Honda Civic, effectively the best possible qualifying result after the Frenchman is to start from the back of the grid in Race 1 after an engine change.

The Honda Civic’s engine failed in the first race at Oschersleben two months’ ago on his TCR International Series debut, which meant he’d start from the back of the grid for his next race, meaning the ideal scenario was always to qualify in tenth position and secure the reversed grid pole for Race 2.

“It was a perfect result for us because of the penalty for the engine change after Oschersleben, so our goal was P10 and that was what we did,” said Panis.

“I’m very happy; the team did a great job and the car was very nice to drive. Pole position for Race 2 means we are all very happy. My goal will be to make a good start and I have Race 1 in which to practice a bit. It will be important not to make any mistakes in Race 1 and then I can focus on Race 2.”