Esteban Guerrieri feels that he can still score ‘very good points’ in Vila Real, after a sensor issue and a power issue prevented him scoring points in the opening FIA World Touring Car Cup race in Portugal.
Guerrieri was just 19th fastest in qualifying after being unable to complete all of his intended flying laps to their full potential, leaving him languishing towards the back of the pack on the track where passing is notoriously difficult.
The Argentine had got as high as 13th by the mid-stage of the race, until he lost power in his Münnich Motorsport Honda and dropped down to 24th by the chequered flag.
The points leader lost 30 points to his nearest rival Norbert Michelisz as a result, although he did not dwell on the non-score, citing Sunday’s two races as an opportunity to get back on form.
“Sometimes in motorsport, everything goes right for you – and we’ve had a few days like that this year,” said Guerrieri.
“Sometimes, however, you have days like this. You just have to learn from them and move on.
“I lost two runs in qualifying because of a sensor issue and then had yellow flags that left me in the midfield.
“I started 16th, but 11th or 12th was going to be my finishing position until I started losing power and dropped back.
“Hopefully we can find the issue and it won’t affect us tomorrow, because I feel both Bebu [Girolami] and I can still get some very good results here.”
Girolami remains on 215 points after race one, whilst Saturday’s winner Michelisz has moved on to 200 points with his pole and win.