Stefano Comini has slammed former team-mate Jean-Karl Vernay after contact following the end of the first TCR International Series race in Georgia, which may mean Comini starts race two at the back of the grid.
The duo contacted several times in the race, including at the second corner when Comini tried to pass the Frenchman for position but contact was made.
Comini went on to finish on the podium, whilst Vernay took the flag in sixth. Although Comini admitted to being happy with a top three result, he was left fuming with Vernay after the incidents.
“At the start there was a little contact with Jean-Karl, but after came into me,” said Comini. “I’m disappointed because after the chequered flag Jean-Karl caught me and he hit me. It was really very dangerous and it was very scary because it’s really hard and he wanted to take me into the wall.
“He was in front of me and he braked in front of me. He broke my radiator and now I need to start last [for race two]. I hope the race officials will look at this because I’m really disappointed.
“It’s not like we were racing; if you want to hit me out, for me it’s OK, but hit me out in the race, not after.”
Vernay put the blame firmly at Comini’s door, saying that he caught up with Comini after the flag in order to vent his frustration at the first lap incident.
“He hit me on the back – you can clearly see I didn’t do anything,” said Vernay to TouringCars.Net. “With the impact when he touched me in the second corner it ruined my race. You can see that on the front my car has no damage – I didn’t touch anyone.
“Just after the chequered flag I came close to him to tell him that it was not fair, and then I continued on my way. He arrived and of course I braked later, I could see him in my mirror, and he pushed me like five or six times.
“He ruined my race and he did it on purpose. Even the guys who were behind, like Pepe [Oriola] can say it was not like a racing incident. I don’t know [why it happened] maybe it’s because he’s not with Leopard, but I don’t know the reason he did it.
“I’m pretty sure he did it on purpose. All of my team told me to be careful, and I thought I should be OK, because it’s Stefano and I don’t think he’s that stupid. But what he tried was really stupid, end of story.”