TCR – Kajaia and Oriola winners in Rustavi

Starting on pole for Race 1, David Kajaia (Alfa Romeo Giuletta) won the first event of the 2017 TCR International Series season in Rustavi (Georgia) held on a wet track.

The GE-Force driver dominated the first part of the event before being threatened by Ferenc Ficza (Seat Leon) who ultimately failed to be less than 4 tenths from victory. Stefano Comini (Audi RS 3 LMS) completed the podium, ahead of the Honda Civics of Roberto Colciago and Attila Tassi.

“It’s great to get my first victory at home, said David Kajaia. The race was very difficult. My start was good and I was able to widen the gap, but my front tires started to suffer on the 6th lap and I subsequently had to resist Ficza. »

Jean-Karl Vernay (Volkswagen Golf) took 6th place while Hugo Valente (Seat Leon) retired.

Oriola wins in Race 2

Pepe Oriola (Seat), 7th in Race 1, respected tradition by taking a victory in the opening round of the TCR International Series. The Craft-Bamboo Racing resident initially won ahead of his teammate Hugo Valente, but the Frenchman received a half-minute penalty for overtaking under a yellow flag, which condemned him to 9th place. Roberto Colciago, who crossed the line in 6th place, received the same sanction and dropped to 12th place.

“It seems that I always come back strong from the winter break, commented Pepe Oriola. This victory comes at the right time after such a difficult event for us, with poor qualifying and many problems. My start wasn't great because my wheels were skidding on a still wet surface, but I was able to keep Hugo behind me. It remained complicated because we didn't really know if it was raining or not. »

Attila Tassi recovered 2nd place ahead of Jean-Karl Vernay. Dusan Borkovic (Alfa Romeo) and James Nash (Seat) completed the top five. Stefano Comini returned to the pits to retire.

David Kajaia left Rustavi at the top of the Championship with 6 points ahead of Attila Tassi and 7 points ahead of Pepe Oriola.