Having returned the Leopard Racing for this weekend’s action at Motorsport Arena Oschersleben, Holland’s Jaap van Lagen was very happy with ending up on the front row for the first TCR International Series race alongside pole sitter Gianni Morbidelli.
However, the versatile driver, who races in multiple disciplines, including sportscars, felt he could have improved further in the latter stages of the second part of qualifying.
“I’m very happy with this result, even with free practice having some issues, but in qualifying, I found a rhythm,” admitted van Lagen at the post-qualifying press conference.
“I have to say that the car was very good, but without any mistakes, I could have made it to pole position. Congratulations to Gianni, but I hope I can beat him in the first race.”
On his first appearance with the Belgian squad at Monza earlier this year, the 40-year-old finished in 11th place in the second race, having stood in for Rob Huff, who had a clash of commitments that weekend.
Van Lagen was still very thankful for Volkswagen, Leopard and WRT for providing him the chance to return on the last part of the European leg of the championship.
But with team mate Jean-Karl Vernay now starting ninth and second in each respective race, he is unsure as to whether he will have to assist the Frenchman’s charge to the drivers’ title, but has still said that he will do what he can, considering the circumstances.
“Tomorrow morning, I’m P2, Jean-Karl is far behind, so I see no possibility to help him, so I will focus on my own race. And even in the second race, he is in P2, so again I may not able to help him. We will see, but if I can help him in the race, I will, including if Volkswagen will ask me to. We’ll wait and see.”