Gilles Magnus admits that he did not expect to score a podium finish on his début in the TCR Europe series at the Hungaroring, where the Comtoyou Racing driver finished second in race two.
Magnus came through from sixth on the grid to finish second in only his second TCR race, benefitting from the unpredictability provided by changing weather conditions during the race.
The 19-year-old nudged past the Hyundai of Dušan Borković on lap eight to take second, although he had no answer to the pace of eventual winner Julien Briché.
The Belgian, who previously raced in French F4, Formula Renault 2.0 NEC and the Blancpain GT Sprint Cup in 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively, therefore leaves Hungary as the joint series leader, tied with Nelson Panciatici.
“I didn’t expect such a result on my first touring car appearance,” admitted Magnus. “It has been funny, because with this mixed weather conditions races become very interesting.
“I really enjoyed all the fights while I was recovering the positions. My car was perfect, and I have to thank Comtoyou Racing for preparing it at its best.
“Now I’m looking forward to the next rounds knowing that I have already scored some points and I can be competitive.”