TCR International Series leader Gianni Morbidelli says he is struggling with power steering issues throughout free practice at Spa-Francorchamps, leaving the Italian in just 16th and ninth fastest.
Morbidelli, who must also carry 30 kg of success ballast for being the best performing driver at the previous round, failed to lap within a second of the pace in either of Thursday’s practice sessions, citing in part issues with the power steering on his WestCoast Racing Honda.
“It’s not only [the power steering], we have 30 kg of weight from the victory in Estoril,” said Morbidelli to TouringCars.Net. “In fact we had some problems on the power steering, so we have not been able to work on the set-up, so we have been a bit delayed compared to the other drivers.
“I still have some problems. I don’t feel the car as I want, so we have to work to improve the setup. We must think about scoring points here.”
Morbidelli added that given the issues he is facing, he is not aiming for outright victory in the two Belgian races.
“Sometimes you have to understand that it’s important to not only think about winning races, but also scoring points consistently, because the championship is won this way.
“To score zero points is a big mess. If you are able to score points in every single race, probably you are able to compete for the championship – this is the key.
“But don’t forget that the form between all of us is very close – the balance is very close, so you cannot win all of the time.
“Of course, with 30 kg inside the car it makes a big difference. When you have a lot of weight you have to be careful about the brakes, the tyres. It’s a little bit more difficult and you have to think about it as well.”
Morbidelli concluded that he will make some further changes to the car ahead of qualifying in the hope of finding a setup which he is happier with.
“I’m looking to do my best. Honestly, I don’t expect anything so big [as podiums]. I need to focus on the setup now, because I’m struggling a bit with the steering and the turning. We have to tweak the car a little bit, and then it’s important that I am feeling good when I drive.
“At the moment I am not 100%, so firstly we have to focus on that and then we will see.”