Jean-Karl Vernay frustrated with Attila Tassi in Thailand
Jean-Karl Vernay is disappointed after a tough weekend in Thailand, picking up a fourth and a fifth in his Team WRT Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR, in both races finishing behind title rival Attila Tassi’s Honda, who moves two points ahead in the standings.
Vernay was locked in a race-long battle with the 18-year-old Hungarian in Race 1, only briefly interrupted when Michelisz backed off to try and let Tassi ahead of him, which allowed the SEAT of Pepe Oriola to bypass both Tassi and Vernay and move ahead.
The French driver then made one final move at Turn 12 on the final lap, but clipped the rear of the Honda and he ran out wide, both crossing the line in the same order, with the stewards deciding to take no action after the race.
“I’m sorry for the team, as I think we’re doing a really good job, the car is absolutely fantastic, but we can’t use it,” said Vernay. “As soon as there’s a straight, they are pulling away. It’s frustrating for us, as the Honda is way too quick and we can’t fight with them.
“Also for unfortunate reasons in the last few races, Rob (Huff) hasn’t been around me and we can’t work together, while (Tassi) has Michelisz.”
Vernay was uncomplimentary about Tassi’s driving style, compared to his more experienced team-mate for the weekend, Norbert Michelisz.
“The problem with Tassi is he’s still just a kid; as soon as I arrive behind him, he’s losing one second, and then closing the door everywhere,” said Vernay. ”He’s just going wide, and then across to the inside, and with him there’s always contact as he doesn’t know how to close the door.”
With Tassi picking up 30kg of success ballast at the next round at Zhejiang in China, Vernay hopes to make up some ground, but still believes it’ll be near impossible to stop the M1RA Hondas.
“In China it should be good, they’ll have some ballast, so we need to score some good points,” he said. “We have no pressure anymore, as it’s Hondas to lose. We just feel we deserve better, as our chassis is fantastic.”
