Josh Files is praying for rain ahead of the final TCR Europe Series race at Circuit Paul Ricard today [6th May].
The Hell Energy with KCMG put in an inspired defensive drive to claim fourth in the opener, but hopes adverse weather conditions will aid the Honda Civic Type R FK7, which he says is struggling in a straight line compared to its rivals.
No rain is currently forecast at the 3.6 mile Le Castellet circuit today, though the circuit remains overcast.
I’m praying for rain,” said Files to TouringCars.net.
“Honestly speaking, I’ve not actually driven the car in the wet on these tyres, ever.
“It is a lottery, but it’s a lottery that’s worth taking. At the moment we know we’re not the fastest in the dry, so it’s something we’ve got to hope for.”
He also believes the next event at Zandvoort should suit the car better on a circuit less suited to power.
Files also pointed to the consistency of laptimes achieved in the opening race, with relatively little drop-off in performance between the start and conclusion, in terms of pace.
“Zandvoort next is quite twisty and with lots of turns and it’s not really a power circuit, so I think the Honda will do well there.
“This is a power circuit, there’s no two ways about it, and that’s something we are lacking.
“But the car – I still maintain it’s got one of, if not the best, chassis. We can still do the same lap times at the end of the race as towards the start and that goes to show the chassis in itself.
“It’s just here, now at the moment, we’re fighting a losing battle.”
The final race gets underway at 15:50 CEST.