Gabriele Covini made it a triple celebration for BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse at Misano. After the team secured a 1-2 finish overall with Norbert Michelisz and Mikel Azcona, Covini picked up the ETS Guest Star Trophy for drivers who are competing on a race-by-race basis.
The 21-year-old started ninth on the grid and lost ground at the start but recovered to tenth and took the Guest Star honours in his Hyundai Elantra, with the Italian exuberant after a strong start to the year in his TCR Europe campaign.
“The first races of the year for me have been like a rollercoaster of emotions. From Mugello to Spa-Francorchamps to here, I’ve managed to improve a lot in every single aspect, from the qualifying to the race. What can I say? Thanks to the team, I’m feeling happy not just for the ETS Trophy, but to finish P10 here in Italy as an Italian.”
Covini starts tomorrow’s race from second on the grid, just behind reigning TCR Europe champion Jenson Brickley, and knows he has a chance for another strong result on Sunday.
“I know it’s going to be difficult, as I have world champions behind me, but I’ll do everything I can do to have fun like today. And let’s hope for the best.”
Picture: WSC/Fastclick