Gianni Morbidelli hoping to see step up in qualifying pace soon

Gianni Morbidelli says he hopes he and WestCoast Racing find the late-season pace they found in the 2017 TCR International Series as soon as possible in this year’s TCR Europe series, as the Volkswagen driver admits the team are really struggling in qualifying trim at present.

Morbidelli, who’s been reunited with the team with which he raced during the 2015-2017 TCR International Series seasons, finished in 11th place in Race 2 at Hockenheim, which was his best result of the weekend after retiring on lap two of Race 1 with broken suspension.

“It’s important for us to find the right pace in qualifying, that’s what’s proving difficult for us,” said Morbidelli to TouringCarTimes.

“When you’re starting around 15th place, the game is already difficult – as the level is high and there’s quite a good balance between the other cars.”

Morbidelli’s 2017 season was turned around after a double-victory at the Oschersleben circuit, which also features as the fifth round of the 2019 TCR Europe series. In terms of the current pace, the change to Yokohama tyres from Michelin which was used during the International Series days, Morbidelli explains is a key factor.

“The car is quite different to 2017, mainly because we’ve changed tyres. It’s an interesting change in terms of handling and the feeling of the car.

“I also admit it was not so easy for us at the beginning of 2017. The first part of the season was terrible for us, but then from the middle of the season from Oschersleben, it was a completely different story, we were very quick – I’d like to have this change before Oschersleben this year. The team’s motivated – I know these guys; this is my fourth year with the team and we’re all working for the same goal.”