Raymond: “he still lacks experience”

The results are mixed for Cyril Raymond after his debut in World RX in Abu Dhabi. The GCK Academy driver had plenty of problems, but he still managed to reach the semi-finals, showing potential to aim for more in the future.

“I am satisfied with my first weekend with the team, the 2016 RX Lites champion confirmed to us. The first day was complicated. I broke a triangle in two in Q1 and I got a puncture in Q2 while going over the very rough curbs of the track. We improved the settings for the second day as well as my driving position which was not ideal and my pace was much better. »

The pilot of one of the two Renault Clio RS entered by the new structure of Guerlain Chicherit managed to reach the semi-finals taking advantage of the retirement of Timmy Hansen (Peugeot 208) and the penalty for Andreas Bakkerud (Audi S1).

« I got off to an excellent start, it’s a strong point on the Clio, said the Frenchman. I had to avoid Guerlain at the second corner and had to go over the curbs. I had another puncture and I couldn't hope for anything further. »

Cyril Raymond remains optimistic for the future after this first meeting where the Renaults lacked success.

“It's a bit frustrating because we could have hoped for much better when we see Liam Doran (Audi S1) finish on the podium after the weekend he had, admitted the Habs. Le championnat est en tout cas très ouvert même si les Peugeot et les Hyundai sont un peu devant. Nous devons encore progresser sur les Renault, que ce soient les Megane ou les Clio R.S., mais le potentiel est clairement là. Nous avons nos chances. Il manque encore l’expérience. »

Cyril Raymond will arrive at the end of the month in Barcelona (Spain) occupying 12th place in the championship. The GCK Academy is ranked 5th among the 9-unit Teams in the Monster Energy RX Cartel.