Radio issue meant ‘110% focus’ for maiden win says Attila Tassi
Münnich Motorsport’s Attila Tassi says he had no working radio communication during the second WTCR race at Estoril, forcing him to “focus 110%” as he claimed his maiden victory in Portugal.
Tassi, who started fourth on the grid, moved up to second following a slow start for polesitter Esteban Guerrier, and then inherited the lead when his team-mate Tiago Monteiro encountered a loose bonnet.
The Hungarian then had to withstand a fierce attack from the Hyundai Team Engstler car of Jean-Karl Vernay in the closing laps, but eventually clung on to secure his first race win in WTCR.
“It was a mega race, first of all I am really sorry for Esteban and more so for my team-mate Tiago,” Tassi said post-race.
“I have a little bit of déjà-vu with this victory. A couple of years ago, in Villa Real in Portugal we had the same situation except it was the other way around.
“So, I am really feeling sorry for him because we have been speaking for a few years since we have been team-mates, about standing on the podium together, but unfortunately it was not possible.
“But, I’m very happy with my first WTCR win, this win should already have been two years ago, again in Portugal but I am very happy with this.”
Tassi said that his victory was made even harder by the fact that his pit-to-car radio stopped working, leaving him without the necessary information about his own pace and the pace of those behind.
Despite this, Tassi was able to cling onto his lead and beat Vernay by little over a second at the flag.
“It wasn’t so easy to achieve this victory, I’m so disappointed that Tiago cannot stand on the podium with me,” Tassi added.
“The last few laps felt like going on forever, especially because I had a radio problem.
“I didn’t have any information about the pace and then I saw the Hyundais were catching up really quickly, so I was only focused on the exit for the main straight and the back straight so I could not get passed.
“Each lap I was concentrating 110% so I am happy it finally paid off in the end.”
Tassi and Vernay’s battle also reminiscent of the pair’s season-long squabble in TCR International in 2017, which went the way of Vernay at the final round of the season in Qatar.
For the youngster, it was a hard but fair battle in Portugal, and one which left the Honda driver in touch in the points standings, just five behind Vernay heading into Aragon.
“It was like 2017 in TCR International when we were fighting together for the title!” beamed Tassi.
“We actually said that it’s like those days are coming back now which is really nice. It was bumper to bumper stuff but it was also really fair racing, it was very enjoyable.”
