Photo: TCR Europe

Franco Girolami “surprised” over criticism from Mikel Azcona

By

Franco Girolami said that he was surprised over the criticism from TCR Europe title rival Mikel Azcona following two intense races at Monza.

“After race one, Mikel and I spoke and cleared the air. It was a crucial moment and for it’s normal that things are tense,” said Girolami to TouringCarTimes.

“I’m a bit surprised about his words because I feel we’ve always raced fairly. We are both fighting for the championship and some contact is bound to happen. It’s pretty normal.”

The two made contact in both races while fighting for the lead as PSS Racing driver Girolami put up a stern defense.

“I’m sure if he’d been in my position, he would defend just as much. Back at the Nürburgring, he was able to surprise me on the last lap and won,” said Girolami.

“This time he wasn’t able to do it. I think this is the first time he’s been beaten head-to-head for a race win in 2021 so of course he won’t be happy about that. But I think it was a good battle and I look forward to more of it when we fight for the title in Barcelona.”

Girolami looked set for a double win at Monza, but was stripped of his Race 2 victory after a protest from Azcona’s team Volcano Motorsport for overtaking under yellow flags.

“It’s such a shame that my Race Two 2 win was affected by a penalty. From inside the car it was not easy to see the exact position of the green flag, and the officials have determined that the pass on Azcona was just a few meters too early,” said Girolami.

“But that doesn’t change the fast that the weekend was fantastic for us in so many ways. The car performed so well thanks to the work by the PSS Racing Team and the support from JAS Motorsport across the weekend. To be able to take the title fight down to the final event in my first full season in Europe is just great.”

The duo will head to the Barcelona season finale separated by 53 points, with 90 left to fight for.

“The strategy is the same as it would have been without the penalty,” said Girolami.

“I’ll give it 110% and so will the whole PSS Racing Team. It’s what we’ve done all season and we won’t give up as long as we still have a chance to be champions, both with myself in the overall standings and with my team-mate Viktor in the Diamond Trophy.”