Mike Halder was looking at the bigger picture after again finishing on the podium in the TCR Europe series, with the Honda driver finishing second behind Zolder winner Nicolas Baert.
Halder, a late entry into the European series after abandoning his TCR Germany campaign in August, started the opening race in Belgium from fifth on the grid and by the end of the opening lap was in third.
The German then passed Hyundai racer Mat’o Homola for second at the first corner on the second lap, leaving him chasing the in-form Baert for the lead.
With Halder carrying 30 kg of ballast, he felt that the weight didn’t hinder him too much in the race, even though he was unable to close down on the Audi RS3 of Baert in the lead.
“I was carrying 30 kilos but some of the other guys were carrying 60, so I have to say the success ballast was okay for us,” said Halder.
“I made a very good start and moved up two positions, but the Audi in front was so fast and with our ballast and our speed I couldn’t attack him.”
Halder’s second, following on from his victory in race two at Le Castellet, has elevated him to second overall in the drivers’ championship, just one point behind leader Dan Lloyd.
“We needed to score points and I think we are already in a good position for the championship so I hope we can climb onto the podium again tomorrow.
“Hopefully the next few races will be like the first rounds, so I can keep up the performances I’ve had so far.”