Gabriele Tarquini: “I was probably too optimistic”

Gabriele Tarquini went off in spectacular style during the first free practice session of the World Touring Car Cup weekend in Slovakia, damaging the suspension of his Hyundai i30 N TCR.

“I was probably too optimistic, I’ve never tried this track with these tyres,” said Tarquini.

The BRC driver went wide at Turn 2 and launched his Hyundai high into the air after going over the grass.

“I lost front grip and went wide. I know [you can] get stuck in [the gravel trap], so I tried to get through but hit the end of it and tried to fly a little bit,” said Tarquini.

“The car has some damage to the front splitter and at the back. I was not sure if the engine was OK, so for safety reasons I stopped. I’m fine, I haven’t hurt my back.”