Volcano Motorsport’s Mikel Azcona admitted ‘the start was the key’ after claiming the win in race one of the TCR Europe series at Spa-Francorchamps.
Azcona found himself in the lead of the race in the early of the opening lap after getting the better of drivers including both Sami Taoufik and Felice Jelmini and the Spaniard didn’t look back as he went on to claim his second win of the season.
The CUPRA Leon Competición driver also made no mistakes as the race restarted on lap four following a safety car period and then held a consistent gap to the chasing duo behind to claim the victory and continue his push for the 2021 championship.
“I’m really happy,” said Azcona after taking the victory.
“Thank you to all my team – we did a really good job. In Qualifying, I did my best but I could only take P4 but then the race was amazing.
“The start was the key. I did a really good launch and then I could overtake the three Hyundai cars in front so that was really good.”
“I also did a good restart after the safety car and I managed to keep ahead of Bennani.”
Azcona went on to praise reigning champion – and 2021 title rival – Bennani as the pair ended the race in the top two positions.
“From that point onwards I was pushing really hard but at the same time managing the gap to Bennani and it was quite easy because of that gap,” explained the Spaniard.
“We finished P1, so got some really good points for the championship. It was comfortable for me because when you have Bennani behind you, it’s always difficult but I had a comfortable race, very clean and relaxed at the same time.”
Race two of the TCR Europe series takes place tomorrow at 10:10 BST (11:10 CEST).