Mehdi Bennani enjoyed a solid start to the TCR Europe season, claiming second in the opening race of the year at Circuit Paul Ricard, his first with new team Comtoyou Racing.
Bennani qualified his Audi RS3 LMS in second for the opening race and, whilst he got past pole-sitter John Filippi at the first corner, he lost out to the fast-starting Honda of Dan Lloyd at the same time.
That left the Moroccan trailing the Brit for the rest of the race, able to keep the pressure on but unable to find a way past Lloyd.
Despite that, Bennani was pleased with his start to the season in a new car, team and championship.
“It’s a good start to the season,” said the 36-year-old. “To be on the first row in Qualifying and then P2 in the first race is a really nice way to begin the year.
“The pace was there – we were quick, and the setup of the car worked until the very last laps, so it’s nice to be with a new team, in a new car and getting used to a new setup.
“After a long stop because of the pandemic, I’m very happy with the start and I feel confident so it’s looking good for the future.”