Two-time TCR International Series champion Stefano Comini says he is aiming to just ‘take points away’ from the season opener in Georgia, where he is racing his new Audi RS3 LMS for the first time.
Comini’s deal with the Belgian Comtoyou Racing outfit came together just weeks before the start of the season, and as such the Swiss driver has had little time to acclimatise with his new car.
As a result, Comini says he is just aiming for points from this weekend’s races, despite the new RS3 having been handed the most Balance of Performance [BoP] weight of any of the current crop of TCR cars.
The 27-year-old also plans to exercise caution as he adjusts to a new car and team for the third season in a row in TCR.
“It’s totally different; it’s a different driving style from the SEAT,” said Comini to TouringCars.Net. “The car is bigger and it’s a little bit more difficult to turn.
“When you are sliding or drifting it’s a different feeling. You need to be careful; I don’t want to crash the car or something like this. The track is very slippery and the walls are very close. We need to take points from this weekend.”
Whilst appearing relaxed in the paddock, Comini admits that the off-season – in which he lost his drive at Leopard Racing – was particularly challenging.
“It was stressful, very stressful. But I’m really happy because it’s a good challenge for me to be here again with a new car and team, like every year! The experience is nothing new for me. Psychologically it was a very hard winter.
“It is difficult because I did all of last year with less money because Leopard didn’t pay me. It was not only stressful because of the seat but also in life, because I needed to ask the bank to give me some money. It was very difficult. It was really scary and an injustice.
“It’s not only me that is waiting for money for Leopard, there are a lot of people who are working and waiting for money which they haven’t received.”
Comini added that he spoke about his predicament to TCR organisers WSC Ltd, before the deal with Comtoyou came about.
“It’s would be a shame for TCR if I would not be here. I spoke a little bit with the organisation when I had the problem with Leopard. They tried a little bit, but the contact wasn’t so good, so it was really perfect when François [Verbist, Team Manager] called me – it was really nice.
“They had this project signed for around three days when they called me, and they did it all in very few days, so it’s amazing. They saved me and my 2017.”