Dusan Borkovic will be “tough” in first Vallelunga race despite reversed grid pole

Dusan Borkovic had most of his lap times deleted in TCR Europe qualifying. The Serbian driver, who is driving a Honda Civic Type R FL5 TCR for the first time, believes this is due to his lack of experience of the Vallelunga track.

“This is the first time I race at Vallelunga. I didn’t get any warnings in free practice, so when I heard my lap had been deleted I had no clue why,” admitted the GOAT Racing driver to TouringCarTimes.

“I was really careful in the second lap, which was a good one, but it was also deleted. After that the tyres were gone, so I went for the reversed grid pole and I managed to do it.”

Borkovic had shown strong pace in free practice, which he admits is frustrating as his good form didn’t come to fruition in qualifying. On the other hand, he is aware his big chance will come on Sunday thanks to the reversed grid pole position.

“It is frustrating when you know you have the pace, especially against [Franco] Girolami or [Aurelién] Comte, who both have experience here from TCR Italy, while for me it’s the first time,” said Borkovic.

“If I don’t have any issues I think Sunday will be my day, but at the same time I know that I have the pace to fight later today in the first race. The team gave me a good car, although it’s a new car for them, but it helped a lot because it’s a new car for me, so it helped a lot.”

The Serbian driver plans to go flat out in today’s heat despite the need to save the car for Sunday, when he will start from pole.

“I go according to my feelings, and my opponents know that I like to push. I will be tough in overtaking for sure, but I will not be so aggressive as to destroy the car for Sunday, because that’s the most important day for me. So I will make sure I grab points today while fighting my way through the field.”