Stefano Comini was left feeling ‘fairly happy’ after the TCR International Series races in Thailand, which saw the two-time champion lose ground in the title race despite a race two podium.
The Audi driver continued to struggle with his car in qualifying, albeit not as much as in recent events, leaving him ninth for race one and second for the reverse-grid race two.
In race one, Comini managed to improve to take seventh by the chequered flag, although that result was largely due to the retirement of several drivers in front of the Swiss racer.
Race two saw Comini lose out to M1RA’s Giacomo Altoè at the start, before he settled into the race to finish in third and secure his seventh podium of the season.
However Comini has now slipped slightly further adrift of series leader Attila Tassi in the standings, as he leaves Thailand 14 points adrift compared to the nine point deficit when he arrived in the Kingdom.
“This wasn’t exactly what I needed, to be honest,” admitted Comini, who is now third overall. “I wanted to leave here leading the championship, but we didn’t have the pace.
“I ruined the first start and lost many positions. I only wanted to avoid contact to secure the car for race two.
“The second start was a little difficult as it took a bit too long and I was worried about the engine temperature and the clutch. It was a tough race as I wanted to preserve the tyres but it was a good race for me.
“It’s a bit more complicated now, but it’s still open. We need to work with Audi ahead of China but I’m fairly happy.”