Mikel Azcona was pleased to take his first victory in the TCR Europe series at Zandvoort, which sees the Spaniard close to eight points from series leader Dušan Borković.
Azcona got into the lead on the opening lap when a poor start from pole-sitter Jaap van Lagen allowed him to move into second position, behind early leader Attila Tassi.
The PCR Sport driver then got past Tassi’s Honda further around the opening lap to take the lead, from where he never looked back, claiming his first win and the first for CUPRA in TCR Europe.
“We started the championship really well – because we know that the car, whilst a good car, is not the fastest car,” said Azcona to TouringCars.Net. “In France and here in Zandvoort, during the whole weekend we weren’t in first position, which is meaning we have to work really hard and put a good setup on the car.
“In the first laps I tried to push – I made a little gap, and then I managed to control the gap to Attila Tassi. Everything was under control, and it was a comfortable race with a little gap and without any mistakes.
“The most important thing was the little gap to be comfortable. Today’s win is very important for us, for the brand and for the championship.”
Azcona believes it will be difficult for him to leap past series leader Borković in Monday’s second race, where he will start from ninth on the reverse grid, whilst the Serbian driver will be sixth.
“It is difficult to take the lead this meeting, because in tomorrow’s race I will start from P9 and it is very difficult to overtake at this track. There are many drivers who have a good level in front.
“To be on similar points to Dušan is my goal tomorrow as well as to get points and not make any mistakes to finish the race.”