LADA’s Nicky Catsburg was left delighted after qualifying for the World Touring Car Championship at the Slovakiaring, where he took a front-row grid position for the main race – the best-ever qualifying result for the Russian marque.
For the third consecutive meeting Catsburg made it in to the final Q3 segment, putting his LADA between works Citroën duo Yvan Muller and José María López for the main race.
Whilst that result gives the Dutchman a genuine shot at victory in the main race, LADA were also left celebrating after Hugo Valente and Gabriele Tarquini secured plum grid positions for the reverse-grid opening race, with Valente on pole (after qualifying tenth fastest) and Tarquini in third (after being eighth fastest).
“I think this further demonstrates how far we have come in the team” said Catsburg. “We have greatly improved the traction which was the weak spot on the car last season and with the knowledge and experience Gabriele has brought to the team this year we have made a good step forward.
“Who knows what would have been possible if Pechito [López] had not been on the track during my lap but I am delighted with the front row start”.
For the second weekend in a row, new LADA signing Valente has secured a reverse-grid pole position, which he hopes to be able to better convert into a strong result this weekend.
However it was not just the reverse grid which Valente was pleased with, after he also showed strong pace in Q1 where he ended up fastest of all, despite having to have his car’s front end repaired when he ran off the circuit.
“I was a little surprised to see my pace was enough for P1 in Q1,” explained Valente. “I thought that was as much as I could get from the car and maybe I was looking at P5 or P6.
“As it happened I made a small mistake [in Q2] that cost me a couple of tenths and that dropped me back but fortunately into P10 and my second Pole start in two weekends.”
Experienced racer Tarquini was left with a strong grid position of his own for the opening race, leaving him optimistic for the two races.
“I had a big moment in T2 and went wide collecting some grass and debris so I could not really push as the engine was getting hot and it was better to be cautious,” said Tarquini. “I have a good starting position for both races now so it will be good to see what we can do with a good car.”
Round three takes place at 11:10 BST (12:10 CEST) with round four following at 13:15 BST (14:15 CEST).