Norbert Michelisz described Saturday as ‘the most difficult day of the season behind the wheel’, even though the Honda driver put his Civic in second for the main World Touring Car Championship race in China.
The Hungarian had struggled in the lower rankings of the top ten during Saturday’s first two practice sessions, having not only to learn the brand new Ningbo International Speedpark but also to get to grips with his car in the wet conditions.
In the end Michelisz qualified in second, three tenths slower than Volvo’s Néstor Girolami, to earn himself valuable qualifying points and a strong chance in Sunday’s races.
“I’m very happy to qualify on the front row because today’s been my most difficult day of the season behind the wheel,” said Michelisz.
“The track is very challenging and I didn’t have a great balance in the wet conditions in practice. But in the damp qualifying and on fresh tyres my confidence was massively improved and I was able to make it into Q3.
“I could have pushed a bit harder and maybe had pole position, but it’s crucial in Q3 to stay calm and not make a mistake.
“The starts of both races will be key tomorrow, but from the front row, the Main Race target is to win.”
Michelisz heads into Sunday’s races with 25 points to make up against his absent team-mate Tiago Monteiro, and 16 against Volvo’s Thed Björk.