Motorsport: Stefano Comini's beard must come off!
Stefano Comini is in second place in the TCR International Series ahead of Sunday's finale in Macau. Depending on his success and mood, the man from Ticino will probably trim his full beard afterwards. In the GT3 race, Edoardo Mortara in the Audi R8 will start from pole position, Nico Müller from 5th place. From a year ago, Stefano Comini decided the TCR International Series [...]
From a year ago, Stefano Comini decided the international TCR series in his favor with a victory in Macau. This year this will be a bit more difficult, the competition has become tougher and stronger: "Our VW Golf has a good chassis, but the Honda Civic are faster on the straights, Seat has also worked a lot on the Leon." His team this year, Leopard Racing, is virtually a lone fighter with the Golf, and the development into the winning car took a lot of time.
The 26-year-old from southern Switzerland is 17 points behind Britain's James Nash and 16 points ahead of Spain's Pepe Oriola (both Seat Leon). Without a penalty at the last race in Malaysia, Stefano Comini's starting position would be better. "I have behaved correctly throughout the year and then I am penalized 30 seconds straight away because I clashed with an Asian who plays no role in the championship. That cost me a lot of points." Stefano Comini was so upset that he considered dropping out of the Macau race, especially since his team is experiencing budget problems.
There are still 55 points up for grabs. With two top results, the defending champion could still turn the tide in his favor if James Nash does not score too well. In the second practice session on Friday, Stefano Comini was third fastest behind Gianni Morbidelli (Honda) and Pepe Oriola (Seat) and two places ahead of James Nash: "It will be difficult. But I didn't come to Macau just to win the races, but the championship." If he manages one or the other, his full beard will fall victim to the scissors on Sunday.
Nico Müller starts fifth in the race for the FIA GT World Cup
In the FIA GT World Cup race, Edoardo Mortara will start from pole position in his Audi R8 LMS. The Geneva native will be driving for Audi for the last time. Edo will join Mercedes (DTM and GT3) in December. His team-mate Nico Müller qualified a good fifth place on the grid in his first appearance on the difficult street circuit in the Chinese gambling city on the outskirts of Hong Kong. All races from Macau can be followed in the organizer's livestream.
www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo
www.tcr-series.com
Photos: TCR
