Photo: TCR Media

Kris Richard hoping Spa win does not affect BoP choices

Kris Richard took the lead at the start of the second race at Spa-Francorchamps, winning despite huge pressure in particular from Julien Briché’s Peugeot. The Swiss admitted it was a perfect combination of events that allowed him to score his maiden TCR Europe victory.

“It was a perfect race,” said the Target Competition driver to TouringCarTimes. “I knew it would be tough, but my plan was to take the lead at the start and focus on being quick in the second sector. The team prepared the car especially for it to be quick in the second sector, because our top speed deficit is such that we knew we needed to open a gap in the corners.”

Richard admitted the win was not expected, and hopes that his success does not affect the BoP choices as he thinks his car was inferior to the opposition.

“Everything worked to plan, I also think the safety car gave the tyres some time to “relax”. With this BoP this is more than a win, because nobody could have expected a Hyundai could win this weekend on this track. I just hope it doesn’t influence the BoP for the next few races, because I was lucky and the team gave me a perfect car. Many factors worked together to make this win possible.”

Speaking of the contact he made with Julien Briché at Les Combes, the Swiss believes it was a normal racing incident.

“Of course I didn’t mean to touch him. He passed me on the straight, we were so close and he moved just a tiny bit, but enough for my nose to give his back a soft tap, which sent the rear of his car all over the place. I’ve spoken to him and made it clear I had no intention to touch him. Honestly, I would have been happy enough with second, my goal was the podium. I think it’s just normal racing.”