Aurélien Panis has praised the TCR International Series for its ability to give younger racers a chance of competing on a big stage, after the Boutsen-Ginion racer secured his first win in Thailand.
Panis, who is 22 years old, took his first win, podium and points all in one go in the second race at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, as he led the race from start-to-finish.
The Honda racer was never really challenged for victory in the race, and held on to the advantage after starting the race from the reverse-grid pole position.
The Frenchman started the season racing in the World Touring Car Championship, where he secured a best result of tenth on two occasions, before switching to TCR with almost immediate dividends in only his second meeting.
“I knew before the races that our pace was really good,” explained Panis. “In free practice and qualifying [we were] really fast but we didn’t get the perfect lap to be in front.
“[I qualified in] P10 and so to start race two from pole position was the best possible qualifying result for us.”
Having taken his first win, Panis praised TCR as a proving ground for young talent such as himself, as he seeks to emulate the success of drivers such as Norbert Michelisz.
“I must say thank you to the team because the car was great to drive. I’m very happy to be in TCR International and to win today.
“For the young drivers it’s a really good series and it’s great to be fighting with the top drivers like Michelisz, [Jean-Karl] Vernay or [Stefano] Comini. The level is very high and for that reason I’m very happy to win today.”