18-year-old Eric Gené has qualified an impressive sixth for his debut in the series, the best-placed of the wild card entries this weekend driving for Monlau Motorsport.
Gené’s lap time was two seconds faster than his father Jordi Gené set at the circuit 20 years ago when the FIA World Touring Car Championship raced there for the first time in 2005.
“I’m really happy as the team did an incredible job,” he said. “Being one of the drivers who are not World Tour regulars, to get into Q2 and also P6 it’s a very positive way to start this weekend.”
Gené is racing in both TCR Spain and TCR World Tour this weekend, meaning he’s taking part in four practice sessions, two qualifying sessions, and five races over the three days.
“It helps me for sure,” explained Gené. “Doing a lap on the circuit is always good, and I’m improving every lap. Physically, I feel good, and not tired, it’s a good experience for me.”
Looking ahead to this afternoon’s race, Gené added: “My aim is to see how I do during the race, for me my objective is to finish and learn at this level what the official drivers are doing and compare myself to them. I have no real expectations, just try to finish, manage the tyres and myself.”
Picture: WSC/Fastclick
