Jimmy Clairet admitted finishing on the podium in the opening race of the weekend at Paul Ricard was something he ‘could never have imagined’ after a qualifying mistake at the French circuit.
Clairet finished alongside his brother Teddy – who took the race win – on the podium in the two Team Clairet Sport Peugeot 308’s after he made the most of two of the Sebastien Loeb Racing Hyundai’ colliding ahead of him at the chicane on the opening lap.
As a result of the drama ahead, Clairet, who had started the race seventh, found himself in third position early on in the race, much to his surprise.
“I could never have imagined before the race that I would finish third after I made a big mistake in Sector 3 in Qualifying” said the surprised Clairet after the end of the race.
“I made a fantastic start and everything was good in the first chicane so I was in P3 and I tried to put pressure on (Felice) Jelmini but he did a great race and so I was happy to finish on the podium.
“I’m so proud for my father and the job he did for us.”
The Frenchman also went on to add that despite his best efforts, he couldn’t get the better of Jelmini ahead of him and he had to settle for the final step on the podium as a result.
“I think I had good pace in the middle of the race but on the third or fourth lap from the end he picked up his pace and I couldn’t match him,” added Clairet.
“My pace was pretty good throughout the entire race but he was very strong towards the end. I hope to do another good start tomorrow and then we will see what happens.”
Race two of the weekend is set to take place on Sunday at 12.40 CEST (11:40 BST).