TCR International Series title favourite Jean-Karl Vernay is keen to avoid ‘useless pressure’ in the decisive double-header at the Dubai Autodrome tomorrow.
Starting alongside temporary Leopard Racing team-mate Gordon Shedden on the front row with his main rival Attila Tassi (M1RA) in tenth, Vernay will win a maiden series title if he outscores in Hungarian in the opening race.
However, Tassi will start the final round from a reverse-grid pole position, so any incident in the opener for Vernay could spell disaster.
Vernay underlined his faith in the team around him and believes he has a strong approach heading into the final two races of the 2017 season.
“It’s again a great result for Leopard Racing, and I congratulate Gordon for clinching the pole in his first TCR appearance. Not a real surprise, we know who he is.
“Starting from the first row tomorrow will be very good, I just hope we’ll pass first corner unscathed.
“A strategy is never easy to do, but the key will be to stay patient and be smart. I am confident in our car, in the team and in my ability, so I will approach things avoiding useless pressure.”
The first race is scheduled to get underway at 06:40 GMT.