Mikel Azcona: “The start was the highlight of the race”

Hyundai driver Mikel Azcona says that his start in Race 1 of the FIA TCR World Tour season finale in Macau was key to his strong podium finish from seventh on the grid.

“That start was the highlight of the race, thanks to a good race preparation,” Azcona told TouringCarTimes.

The Spaniard was set to fight for the pole position on Friday, but contact with the barriers ruined his chances and he could only manage seventh on the grid.

“We also had a good strategy, as I was able to overtake two drivers already at Turn 1, and then another two out of Mandarin, as they were fighting between themselves,” added the Spaniard.

“I was already in third place at the end of the first lap and, from then, I tried to manage my front tyres. I saw that I had a good pace and felt very comfortable.”

Azcona was able to close the gap to second-placed Yann Ehrlacher who was on a conservative drive to secure the drivers’ title.

“I upped my pace and got to Yann, who was focused on the championship, and couldn’t take risks,” Azcona said.

“After losing the pole position yesterday, I felt very comfortable and I’m very happy, because we have the potential to win.”

Azcona will start Race 2 from fourth on the reversed grid and he’s eying the top spot of the podium.

“We start on Sunday from fourth place, so we are closer to the podium. Overtaking is difficult, but we were able to do it today, so we will go for the win,” said the Spaniard.