Mat’o Homola was ‘absolutely thrilled’ to qualify in second for the opening TCR Europe race at Zolder, marking the Hyundai driver’s first front-row start since the opening round of 2019.
Homola was the closest anyone could get to the dominant pole-sitter Nicolas Baert, ending Q2 just under four tenths of a second shy of the Belgian.
The Slovakian racer, who was just eighth and 12th in the season-opening races in France, believes his championship campaign starts at Zolder.
“I’m absolutely happy with P2 because we didn’t have a very good weekend in Paul Ricard and we finally did a good result here in qualifying,” said Homola, who is currently ninth in the drivers’ standings.
“I like this track; it’s very challenging, especially the chicanes and braking points.
“Congrats to Nicolas, he was unbeatable, unfortunately for us. I did my best but from second position to sixth it’s very tight, which is nice in touring car racing.
“I will focus now on race one and to have a good start and manage my brakes and tyres. I will fight to win but we will see.
“Okay, I grabbed some points in Paul Ricard but for me the championship fight starts now.”