Craft-Bamboo Racing’s Richard Coleman was left feeling disappointed after qualifying for the TCR International Series in Macau, where Pepe Oriola could only manage fifth on the grid.
Oriola struggled to hook things up around the demanding street circuit in the all-important Q2 session, being out-qualified by title rival Stefano Comini, who put his SEAT in third on the grid for race one.
Craft-Bamboo CEO Coleman was disappointed to have already lost the first battle against Comini, who extended his lead in the championship by a further two points as a result.
“Really disappointed that Pepe didn’t get ahead of Comini today given how fast we have been so far,” said Coleman. “We missed the tow and are only a tenth behind so we know that we still have the pace but it will be difficult.
“This is Macau and the first few corners tomorrow are going to be very important.”
Oriola himself admitted that it had been a ‘difficult’ session, despite being fourth fastest in Q1 and the second-best of the SEAT drivers behind his brother Jordi.
“It has been a difficult session, with two red flags and crashed cars on the track, but I was able improve my lap times,” said Oriola. “However, I have been a bit slower than [Jordi] Gené and Comini.
“Tomorrow the two races will be very exciting and I will keep fighting for the title until the end.”