Photo: TCR Series

Attila Tassi happy with second after “rollercoaster” weekend

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18-year-old Attila Tassi finishes the 2017 TCR International Series as the runner-up to Jean-Karl Vernay, after a close shave in the second race at Dubai when a drive-through penalty almost saw him lose the place to outgoing champion Stefano Comini.

After a good run from tenth to fifth in the first race, the Hungarian then looked set for a great result to end the season in Race 2, starting from the reversed grid pole, but when he rolled his Honda Civic TCR before the start, the inevitable jump start penalty sent him straight to the back, and he needed to pick up at least one point in order to keep his second.

“It’s been a rollercoaster weekend,” said Tassi to TouringCarTimes.

“In the second race I had a jump start. I don’t think it’s 100% my fault – first we need to see the data, as I had a strange feeling with the car. I released the clutch less than I usually do and the car just moved suddenly. After that I knew that I had to push, it’s not good to see I’m making the gap bigger and then hear on the radio I received a drive-through.

“After that I kept pushing like hell, and luckily I could finish P10.”

Tassi finishes the season 29 points behind Jean-Karl Vernay, and one ahead of Stefano Comini, after a season where he scored two victories, both at his home race in Hungary back in July, and his results in Race 1 helped secure the team the teams’ title as well.

“It’s disappointing as I feel I could have won the race as my pace was good, but I’m really happy that I’m second in the championship,” he said.

“In our first year, the team has won the international title, which is a big title for everyone. It’s a shame Honda lost the model of the year title due to my jump start, but like I said I don’t think it was my fault,” he added.

Looking to 2018, the Hungarian hopes to be back in the series as it seems set to step up to an FIA category status, and to remain with Dávid Bári and Norbert Michelisz’s M1RA team.

“It’s obviously good news (about TCR/WTCC), and for next year I think I’ll be there. I want to be back here and with M1RA and to fight for the championship.”