Viktor Andersson has secured his first pole position since the Hungaroring 2023, and is well-placed to pick up strong points in this afternoon’s race with Monlau Motorsport.

The 22-year-old Swede took pole position at the same track just two months ago in TCR Spain, but went faster today to secure his third career pole position, and the first for Monlau Motorsport since the Red Bull Ring last September.

Andersson will be looking to convert pole into his first TCR Europe race victory in what will be his 43rd race start.

“The lap time was surprising, but I’m super-happy,” said Andersson. “In TCR Spain we had a bit more compensation weight which is why maybe we were a bit quicker today.

“We have the best starting position for tonight’s race, my first pole position in three years, and we’ll try to convert it into a first win!”

Starting behind him will be current points leader Mike Halder, though the German is carrying 40kg of ballast aboard his ALM Motorsport Honda, which may struggle particularly later in the race.

“I hope Mike’s tyres will hurt, but we also have 10kg so it’s still something. I have my team-mate (Marco Butti) pretty close to me so I hope we can work together in the race for a good result for the team.”

The points for Andersson have moved him up to joint-fifth in the drivers’ championship, tied with Alex Ley and Nicola Baldan, while he is now just two points away from Nicolas Taylor for the lead of the Youth Best Trophy.