Photo: WTCR Media

Jean-Karl Vernay says he is “basically out“ of title fight after qualifying disaster

WTCR title candidate Jean-Karl Vernay was left disappointed after being eliminated in Q1 of qualifying at Adria Raceway, finishing 13th.

The Frenchman lamented being called in for weight checks, which took a lot of time out of his session.

“There’s not much to say really, I was called in for weighing and it’s normal, when you see your number you have to go and do the checks,” said Vernay to TouringCarTimes.

“Obviously it took away quite a bit of time, and I was only able to run one set of tyres. The rears also lost temperature while I was standing still for the checks, which meant I had to warm them up again.

“By the time they were up to temperature, which takes two laps, the front tyres were down to probably 60% of maximum performance. At that point all I could do was try to make the best possible lap, and I knew I only had one shot with a less than optimal tyre. In the end I missed Q2, and it’s a shame.”

The Frenchman does not question the need to check the weight of the car, but he is adamant that the timing of the checks cost him a spot in Q2.

“I’m not complaining about being called in for weight checks because it’s in the rules, everybody does it”, stated the Hyundai driver.

“I’m only saying that it could be done when there is a red flag, or maybe at the end of Q1, because then there’s not timing issue, so we can respect the rules and at the same time not be penalised.”

The misadventure could actually have cost him a shot at the title, Vernay reckons:

“I’m a title contender and now we are basically out (of the title fight). It doesn’t mean I will not give it my 100% tomorrow, but it’s just disappointing, we did good work and were quick in free practice 2, so it’s a shame. Obviously when you don’t get to Q2 and don’t even get a chance for reversed pole it obviously destroys the weekend. I’m absolutely sure we had the pace to get to Q2. I mean, I’m not asking for any help, I’m just asking to have the same chances as the others. It’s not fair.”

Vernay is unsure about the possibility to overtake at the revised Adria track, but he does acknowledge the track layout is challenging and interesting:

“The track is very technical and to make a mistake is quite easy. Of course it’s a slow track, but it takes a lot of energy to focus and do a lap without making a mistake. For the races we will have to wait and see, nobody has raced here yet. Obviously I hope there are enough overtaking opportunities, because I will need them. They did a great job finishing the track and we are all happy to come.”

Although the Frenchman is aware there could easily be contact during the races, he is adamant he is not relying on such episodes, nor is he hoping for someone else’s bad luck:

“There’s definitely room for contact with all the hairpins, and there are also quite a bit of double-apex corners, so there’s room to dive in. For sure there will be some touching, but I don’t want to rely on it and I don’t wish any bad luck to anyone. I count of myself and if there’s an opportunity to make up for ground even faster I will take it, as long as it’s fair.”