Gabriele Covini capitalised on timing during a tumultuous qualifying session, despite losing out on a chance to improve, securing pole position at Spa-Francorchamps, just like his co-driver on his first ever flying lap around the circuit.

The 20-year-old Italian said he wasn’t even sure he’d be able to race this weekend, but will now start tomorrow’s first race from pole position, his third career pole in TCR competition, where he’ll start ahead of the highly-experienced five-time touring car champion Leonel Pernía.

“It was really hard, when the red flag came out I was on a really good lap and I had to stop, but I’m very happy with the result, as it all came at the right moment.

“A few days ago I had fever and I wasn’t even sure I was going to be able to do this weekend, and now without even seeing the circuit before we’ve scored pole position, so now I can’t wait for the race.”