Photo: TCR Europe

Tom Coronel happy after double-podium finish at Oschersleben

Tom Coronel took his two best finishes in the TCR Europe Touring Car Series to-date, when the Dutchman finished second in both races of the weekend in his Boutsen Ginion Racing Honda Civic TCR.

Coronel crossed the line fourth on Saturday, but benefitted from two penalties for drivers ahead to move up to second in Race 1, but from third on the grid in Race 2, he made sure he’d collect his podium reward this time, passing Josh Files’ Hyundai at the start.

Coronel then attacked the leading Cupra of Wolf-Power Racing driver Alex Morgan throughout the race, but was unable to find a way past the British driver, and had to settle for second.

There was a small panic after Coronel was flagged for a potential jump start after his car started to move before the lights went out, but this was cleared as he’d brought his car to a complete stop before the race began.

“I just couldn’t get close enough to Morgan,” said Coronel to TouringCarTimes.

“During the first two laps, people weren’t fast enough, but I couldn’t fight then, as everyone else was right behind me.

“When there was a little gap, I tried to pressure him a little bit, but the acceleration of the Cupra is very strong. My Honda though is good at this track, it’s been stronger here than all the other circuits.

“I’m happy with the race, it’s just Morgan didn’t make enough mistakes.”

With two second places, and after leading most of the way in the second race last month at the Red Bull Ring, Coronel hopes a victory in the European series is just around the corner.

“I felt good, the car felt good, everything felt strong,” he said.

“We’ve now been close to a win a few times now. We just need to get it all together, but this weekend was also quite easy, as the Honda here was the fastest car.