Eric Gené: “This result is above my expectations”

Monlau Motorsport driver Eric Gené is making his FIA TCR World Tour debut this weekend in Valencia, with the 18-year-old qualifying sixth as the best Cupra driver.

“It’s a very good result, my expectations weren’t so high, but I’m very happy,” Gené told TouringCarTimes.

“This result is an adrenaline boost for the race. In the end, I came here to measure myself against them, the World Tour drivers, the Hondas, etc, and see were I can be.

“We have seen that we are almost with them, but we are missing a little bit and I see it all going very good.”

The Cupra driver has not set any specific targets for the first race.

“I don’t have any targets, just to finish the race. I know the World Tour drivers are more aggressive, so I also want to learn from them, they are the elite and I want to make the most of racing against them,” said Gene.

The conditions in Valencia are tough, with 32ºC air temperature and an intense double programme with both TCR Spain and World Tour for Gené.

“We must manage the tyres, it’s very hot and the track is very abrasive,” said the Cupra driver.

“Physically I’m also managing very well, so that won’t be a problem, it will be more the effect on the tyres.”