Josh Files could be out for the weekend after major crash at Raidillon

TCR Europe series points leader Josh Files could be set for a no-score weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, after the Target Competition driver crashed out heavily at the end of Q1 at the uphill Raidillon corner.

Files was running in 33rd after his first lap was deleted due to track limits, and was out for a final flying run in his Hyundai i30 N TCR, before he crashed out and severely damaged his car.

With significant front-end damage, the Italian team have three hours to repair or replace the Briton’s car before Race 1, where he’ll start 33rd.

“Essentially, we were trying to keep up with Peugeots and Audis and Volkswagens around here, and we’re taking too much risk,” said a distraught Files to TouringCarTimes.

“I want to know why my Q1 lap was disallowed six or seven minutes after I set it,” he added. “My lap was in, and I’m going to see the stewards, as because this lap was disallowed, it was then that I took too much risk.”

With the chassis legs damaged along with potential damage to the engine, the chances of getting out for this afternoon’s race are incredibly slim – where he’d have to start at best 33rd.

“The guys are going to try and see what they can do for Race 1, but I don’t think there’s enough time. Maybe Race 2,” he said.