Coronel and Borković aiming to maximise return to form for Audi at Zandvoort

Comtoyou Racing Audi drivers Tom Coronel and Dušan Borković believe that a top three finish in the opening TCR Europe race of the weekend at Zandvoort is a realistic aim after a strong qualifying.

Having struggled for race pace in the first two rounds of the 2021 season so far, in Slovakia and at Paul Ricard, Audi has benefitted from a break in the compensation weight this weekend, running without any extra ballast.

That has allowed Coronel and Borković, as well as the third Comtoyou Racing of Nicolas Baert to occupy three of the top four positions on the grid.

Borković in particular, believes that a strong first race is possible and the experienced Serb is willing to get his elbows out.

“I said in Paul Ricard that I thought this weekend would be better, but this is Tom’s place remember!” Borković explained.

“Depending on my start, I will be aiming to finish in the top three; you know I like to fight but I will have to look after my tyres.

“I’m still learning about the Audi because the other cars I have driven have all been smaller. I have to see how I manage the tyres and maybe change my driving style race by race and next year, if I continue with Audi, I will be super-fast.”

For Coronel, it is the second time he will line up on the front-row of the grid this year, having qualified on pole for the season opener at the Slovakiaring. The Dutchman was keen to use his local knowledge to his advantage in qualifying, and was content with a solid performance, despite being pipped at the last moment by Brutal Fish Racing’s Jack Young.

“To be on the front row is really good, but on home ground you want to show that you know the track really well,” Coronel said.

“Despite the changes to the track, it’s still difficult to overtake here but of course I’m going to try! It will be a good race, that’s 100% sure.”

Coronel also admitted that his team did not realise Young was on a better lap on his final attempt, and inadvertently told him that he had secured pole. Despite this, Coronel believes he has a strong car in which to fight the Honda Civic Type-R in the race.

“I think I did very well – the team said ‘great, P1’ but they forgot that Young was still behind, he was still pushing and he took the pole, but the front row is still good,” he added.

“It will be an interesting race and I’m ready.  I don’t know where the Honda is good compared to the Audi because I haven’t really driven behind one. I saw on the sheets that they are fast on the straights, so I will have to do it in the midfield…”