Néstor Girolami says that working with fellow Argentine Esteban Guerrieri is ‘a dream come true’ after the duo shared the podium in the opening FIA World Touring Car Cup race of the season in Marrakech.
Whilst Guerrieri converted his pole position into a first win of the year, Girolami was able to take the chequered flag in fourth, which then became third due to a penalty for a rival, immediately finish on the podium on his WTCR début.
The 29-year-old had slipped back to fifth on the opening lap of the race, but the Münnich Motorsport driver benefitted when Jean-Karl Vernay tagged Andy Priaulx ahead, gaining Girolami one position.
The Honda driver then moved up to third when Vernay was hit with a five-second time penalty at the end of the race.
Girolami admits that starting the season in such a strong way, with Argentine drivers first and third, was an ‘amazing’ result.
“What can I say? It’s been amazing,” said Girolami. “We have been working with Esteban for many, many years and for me this is a dream come true.
“What can I add to what Esteban said before? It is something we have really enjoyed and dreamed about, so many years, working [together].
“When I came last year to Suzuka I said there was a possibility and there were people working so hard behind us who support us, so I wanted to congratulate everyone from Honda Racing, ALL-INKL.COM and everyone who trusted me.
“Now this is our first step and we will push as hard as we can and try to get the championship.
Girolami says that he is still learning about the car, having much less experience of TCR machinery than most of his competitors.
“Everything is new for me; the team [and] the car. My first drive was in March, in Zandvoort. I’m really enjoying the series, it is one of the best in the world because it is so difficult to get into the top five. And as you can see today from P4 to P13 it was so close it is crazy.
“It’s so competitive. One mistake costs a lot because this car has less power and downforce.
“I was learning today. In free practice 1 I was not on the page, but in free practice 2 I was a little bit closer, and then I took a risk in qualifying.”