Jean-Karl Vernay: “I was disappointed, but now I’m happy”

Jean-Karl Vernay has had a rollercoaster start to the FIA TCR World Tour weekend in Chengdu, starting on top in practice, falling down in qualifying and recovering in the first race.

““It was a really fun race. We struggled a bit on balance in qualifying and I was disappointed, but now I’m happy,” said Vernay.

The SP Competition driver topped the first free practice session and was third in the second session, but could only manage seventh in qualifying, 1.4 seconds from pole.

“I did my fastest lap time in FP2 yesterday and the car was great, I was only a few tenths off but then the three sets were getting worse and worse and had absolutely no grip,” said Vernay after qualifying.

“We’ll definitely make use of the reversed grid, but it’s super-frustrating as had a good preparation and good practice, and our hopes were to be in the top four, but it’s something we don’t understand.”

The French Cupra driver then made a strong start in the first race and fought his way up to finish third.

“I’m still a racer and enjoy the chance to come back after five years against these guys who have continued to race,” said Vernay.

“It was a good day for myself, and I thank SP Compétition and Cupra for the opportunity. Let’s see tomorrow, we have a good place on the reversed grid. I want to get ready for Macau…”

Vernay will start the second, reversed-grid race from fourth place.