Josh Files completed a spotless performance in Zandvoort’s Race 2, claiming his and Honda’s first victory in the TCR Europe Series. The Briton took a perfect start from fourth on the grid, stole the lead from Jens Reno Møller after a few hundred metres and never looked back.
The drivers behind him put in a great show, as they were involved in a series of tough fights for the positions. Local boys Jaap van Lagen and Danny Kroes claimed well deserved podium results, finishing second and third respectively.
Van Lagen elbowed his way through the field from ninth on the grid to second in eight laps; afterwards he tried to close the gap from Files, but to no avail. As for Kroes who had started from the pole, he clenched his teeth and managed to keep a charging Attila Tassi at bay. During the final lap they made contact, swapped positions and paints, but eventually Kroes was tougher and retained the third position.
Yesterday’s Race 1 winner Mikel Azcona grabbed a sixth place that helped him to join Dušan Borković on top of the standings on equal points; Files moved up to third, 16 points adrift.
The TCR Europe will resume at Spa-Francorchamps on June 8th to 10th.
Key fact Grid – Barr is missing after his Hyundai was wrecked in the crash at the start of yesterday’s Race 1 Start – Møller starts first, followed by Files, Kroes and Nagy Lap 1 – Files and Kroes overtake Møller; Richard overtakes Nagy for fourth; Borković pits and rejoins with a drop of power Lap 2 – Richard overtakes Møller for third, Van Lagen and Nagy make contact at the Tarzan bend; van Lagen takes fifth; Briché pits with a broken turbo manifold Lap 3 – Van Lagen overtakes Møller for fourth Lap 4 – Tassi and Nagy clash at the Tarzan bend; Nagy slips to eighth between Tassi and Azcona; Nagy and Paulsen collide at Turn 8, the latter crashes Lap 5 – Van Lagen puts the pressure on Richard; Mora overtakes Abreu for ninth Lap 6 – Van Lagen overtakes Richard for third Lap 7 – Tassi overtakes Møller for fifth Lap 8 – Van Lagen overtakes Kroes for second; Azcona overtakes Møller for sixth; Mora overtakes Nagy for eighth Lap 9 – Tassi overtakes Richard for fourth Lap 11 – Files increases his leading margin to five seconds; Tassi is chasing Kroes Lap 12 – Kroes closes the door at the Tarzan and keeps Tassi behind Lap 14 – Files wins from van Lagen; Kroes retains third position after a tough fight with Tassi; Richard and Azcona finish fifth and sixth
Kroes demoted to fourth behind Tassi
The Stewards of the meeting decided to penalise Danny Kroes for his contacts with Attila Tassi during the fight they had in today’s Race 2 while fighting for the third position. They have dropped the Dutch driver to fourth in the race results, promoting Tassi to third. The competitor renounced to use his right of appeal. Dániel Nagy was given a ten second penalty for the collision with Stian Paulsen, this dropped him from ninth to 12th.
Quotes after the second race at Zandvoort
Josh Files (winner): « It was a perfect day for me and I am happy it happened on such a fantastic track and close to home, as I live virtually across the Channel. Again, I had a good start and after a short fight with Møller, I took the lead. From there, it was a matter of avoiding mistakes and preserving tyres. I was not under any direct threat, but this is a track where you cannot relax. The car was perfect and the team did a perfect job. Now we can focus on reducing the points gap and join the fight for the title. »
Jaap Van Lagen (second): « It was a great race and it feels really special to be on the podium in front of this huge crowd. Unlike yesterday, I had a very good start and could gain some positions staying on the outside line. Then, I did a couple of overtaking manoeuvres and found myself behind Kroes. I noticed that he was having some trouble with his tyres, and eventually I could pass him. The car was really strong and allowed me to push hard throughout the entire race. »
Danny Kroes (third): « It was a good result and a nice way to finish the weekend. The start was lively and there were some contacts, but Files was faster and pulled slightly away. I had to fight for the entire race, notably with Van Lagen and then Tassi. I think that last fight was quite entertaining for the spectators. Attila kept pushing all the time, there was also some bumping, but I managed to resist and I am quite proud of this podium. »
Press release TCR
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