Nathanaël Berthon was pleased to secure pole position for the opening FIA World Touring Car Cup event of the season at Zolder, as the Frenchman claimed the bragging rights in qualifying for the first time.
Comtoyou Racing’s Berthon was just 0.031 seconds faster than Cyan Racing’s Yann Ehrlacher in the Q3 shootout on Saturday, with the Frenchman having got quicker in each of the qualifying segments he took part in.
The 31-year-old had previously never qualified higher than third for a WTCR race, and in his maiden season in 2018 he only broke into the top ten on five occasions out of 20 qualifying sessions.
Berthon praised the efforts of his Comtoyou Racing team in preparing his Audi RS3 LMS, which has been the form car to have at the famous Belgian touring car circuit.
“Obviously, we had a very good work [in the] pre-season, what time [we had] to test, and the guys did a really good job on the Audi,” said Berthon.
“This lap was pretty quick, especially the last sector, where I knew I had to give everything, and the car gave it.
“I’m pretty happy – thanks for all the guys that worked really well, and obviously I’m happy with my lap for sure.”