Josh Cook was in positive spirits after qualifying in seventh on his return to One Motorsport in the opening British Touring Car Championship qualifying session of the year at Donington Park.
Cook missed out on progressing into Q3 by just 0.012 seconds, but after an engine change earlier in the day, he was pleased with the progress made back in Honda Civic machinery in which he has tasted much of his success.
“I think we did a good job as a team,” said Cook to TouringCars.Net. “We started off on the back foot as we had a small issue with an oil system which required an engine change after free practice one.
“It was more of a precaution than anything, but M-Sport decided to tell us to change it. The team did a mega job and swapped it in time for FP2, and I got a few laps running which gave us an indication as to the direction we needed to go in.
“Qualifying was OK, it was not an utter disaster by any means. Obviously, we would rather have been a bit quicker, and I think we’ve got the pace to be a bit higher up, but as far as qualifying sessions go after the day we’ve had, I think it was pretty good.
“Delta-wise it was good and we know it’s a fine margin you take a few more risks at the end. I think we would [have progressed into Q3] but that’s all what ifs and buts so we’ve just got to concentrate on race day now.
“I’m pleased with the job the team have done and it’s been nice to be back with all these familiar faces and straight back to doing a mega job.”
Cook admitted to being surprised by the pace of the Alliance Racing-run Fords and the EXCELR8 Hyundais, which formed five of the cars ahead of him in qualifying.
“Clearly the Fords are in a good place, they’re going well. I’m a bit surprised by the performance of that Hyundai as well – earlier in the day it produced some pretty stunning speed traps and sectors.
“We know that they are on the money. We’ve probably got a bit of time to find, but we’re not expecting to rock up, jump back in the car and compete with the guys that have had that consistency for four years now.
“We’ll make some progress, keep nudging in the right direction but I’m comfortable with the progress we’re making and what lies ahead.
“I’m back in my old chassis from 2019 – 2022 and that feels a lot more what I’m used to and I’m comfortable with it.
“M-Sport have done a good job assisting us with the installation and the work that they do trackside is also really good.
“We’re making progress together, we’re looking for improvements in the stuff that we can control as well. I’m finding the engine very driveable and that’s a very important thing for us, so I think they’ve done a good job and I think we’ve got a nice working relationship.”