Photo: TCR Europe

John Filippi: Paul Ricard pole lap was “one of the best I’ve ever done”

By

Target Competition Hyundai driver John Filippi says that his qualifying lap at Paul Ricard “one of the best I’ve ever done” after seucring his maiden pole position in touring cars.

The Frenchman had grappled with set-up issues in free practice but managed to put it all together when it mattered to beat Comtoyou Racing’s Mehdi Bennani and Brutal Fish Racing’s Dan Lloyd to the top spot.

“I’m very happy to take the pole position,” said Filippi.

“For me, it’s something special as it’s my first pole position in TCR since I started two years ago. When I saw how I started in FP1 with a lot of issues with the set-up, I worked hard with the team and so, when we came here this morning and got the pole position, It’s just unbelievable for me. I didn’t expect that.”

Filippi said that the balance of his Hyundai i30 N TCR during Friday’s practice sessions caused him some trouble but believes that his Target Competition team was more than up to the task of remedying these problems come Saturday.

“The first target was to go into Q2 and after, when I saw that I had the pace to fight for pole position, I didn’t hesitate,” he said.

“The lap in Q2 was one of the best I’ve ever done.

“In FP1, the feeling I had with the car wasn’t good and my driving wasn’t perfect, so it’s good for me to work with a great team like Target – they already have a lot of confidence and they have shared that confidence with me.”

As for second-placed Bennani, the Moroccan was relieved to be back near the front after six months away from driving.

“P2 is a good start to the season for me,” he said.

“I tried to make the best lap, but it was not easy at all because when you make a small mistake here it costs two or three tenths. I’m happy, because after six months of not driving, not doing anything at all, it’s good motivation for the future.

“Qualifying was great because I will start on the front row, but the race is another story. I hope I can have a good rhythm in the race because I haven’t raced for a long time.”