Néstor Girolami: “Points are points and we do our maximum”

Néstor Girolami claimed pole position for the first FIA WTCR race at Anneau Du Rhin but was met with frustrated feelings from the Münnich Motorsport team as he seemingly did not hit his intended target time in order to minimise the compensation weight impact for the coming races.

“When you see how close I was to the tyre pack in the last sector, I thought I was going to hit it with my mirror, but I told myself I had to take the risk because it’s now or never,” said Girolami.

“The points all count and we had 36 points − now 34 points − to Mikel [Azcona] and we have to reduce the gaps. There are two rounds left after this weekend and even if we get the 40kg [the maximum compensation weight] again, points are points and we do our maximum.”

The Honda drivers have been on the maximum 40kg of compensation weight for the majority of the 2022 season in bright contrast to its rivals, with for example the Hyundai drivers still on 0kg of compensation weight this weekend.

Girolami is nonetheless confident ahead of today’s races.

“So far we made very good starts this season. We’ve had good performance in the first two laps and if we can run in clean air it’s easier,” said Girolami.

“But these guys are going really fast on the straights so we have to be sure to do a very good last sector to get the pace and space to stay ahead in the race and try to survive. Since we are fighting for the title and I’m sure we’ll all do a clean job and fight with respect.”