Josh Files says his 2018 TCR Europe campaign has been the unluckiest season of his career, after he was forced to retire from race one at the Hungaroring following contact.
The Hell Energy Racing Team by KCMG driver took the lead from polesitter Mikel Azcona and led the opening laps, before he dropped back after contact with Azcona.
Files told TouringCars.Net he believes the driving standards in the championship are “ridiculous” at present, and it feels like “stock car” racing.
“I got the start that I wanted and I love these conditions,” he said. “Slicks on a damp track is really fun for me and OK we had way too much oversteer but the car and track would have come to us at the end.
“So I was just controlling the race – I thought – but it seems my car is just a battering ram – every corner I’m getting hit by a CUPRA – I’m not naming the name because you can clearly see who.
“And then he drives all the way around the outside – fair play – I give him room and then he takes the apex like I don’t exist and he’s destroyed the rim. And nearly destroyed his own championship it’s a risk too far to be honest.
“I’m sure nothing will happen because nothing ever does here but this is not racing, this is not fair. There are very few people who are fair, it’s just stock cars. It’s just ridiculous at the moment.”
After running strongly at the previous round at Spa-Francorchamps – but suffering similar woes – Files believes it is factors outside of his control which are preventing him from great results.
“Every weekend we are always in the top ten anyway, and normally in the top five. Rain, dry, whatever circuit, I can always manage to wrestle the car to the front and we’re just not getting any results whether that’s through meaningless contact or technical difficulties.
“So far, I can honestly say this has been the unluckiest season of my life.”