Jean-Karl Vernay admits double duty helping his confidence

Jean-Karl Vernay led the way from lights to flag at Spa-Francorchamps, dominating each of the sessions at the Belgian track so far. The Audi driver tried to escape the pressure of race rival Maxime Potty, but the tyres were already on the limit.

“I was struggling with the tyres, so we still have some work to do,” said the Frenchman to TouringCarTimes. “Max did a very good race, he is a quick rising star, and we know him and the Golf, so we expected that. I had to push to keep him behind, and the tyres suffered a little bit towards the end of the race.”

Vernay thinks it was particularly important for him to score points at Spa, as Hungaroring will not suit the RS 3 LMS as much as the iconic Belgian track does.

“All in all we wanted pole position and a win, and we achieved that. We knew we were going to be quick here, but it won’t be the same story in Hungary, so we need to score as many points as possible while we can. I’m really happy we are back in the hunt for the championship. It was fun, I really enjoyed it.”

The Frenchman’s goal for tomorrow’s race will be a podium, but he will still do as much as he can to win the race and complete a perfect weekend.

“It’s difficult to predict what I will do tomorrow. If I can get back up front quickly tomorrow then it will be good, but I will need a good start and jump through the traffic to be there at the right place at the right moment. You can’t plan these things, but for sure the higher we can get up the order the better. A podium would be good enough, but if I can win I won’t waste the opportunity.”

Vernay admitted that the double duty he is on this season, as he also competes in the WTCR with the same team and car, helps him to be on top of his game.

“I’m in a happy moment now, I’m very often in the car because I’m in two championships, and the WTCR is the best touring car championship in the world. Here the level is also very high, so every time I go out I have to push and it helps me challenge the limits. I’m happy with Audi, with the team, with Leopard and Lukoil, I feel confident and I’m able to be so competitive because of this. We are humble, not arrogant, and we are working hard. You need to work and have a bit of luck as well, and if you have the whole package you win.”