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Confidence growing for Ben Bargwanna as he enters qualifying and race day in Portimao
Progression was the key for Ben Bargwanna on a fruitful day of practice in Portimao ahead of the inaugural Kumho TCR World Tour round alongside TCR Europe this weekend.
Driving the Burson Auto Parts-supported Peugeot 308 TCR prepared by Team Clairet Sport, Bargwanna was quick during the opening practice session to be 13th splitting two young Brits Lewis Brown and Isaac Smith in Audi RS3 LMS TCR Gen2s.
Belgian Frederic Vervisch of Audi squad Comtoyou Racing was fastest ahead of teammate Rob Huff, with reigning world champion Mikel Azcona was third for Hyundai.
Electing to run a race simulation in the second session, Bargwanna left the day excited for more improvement through qualifying and Race 1.
“Day two is done and it was another epic experience, much better than yesterday,” said Bargwanna.
“The car is getting better and better, my feel for the track is improving, but I’m loving it and having a great time. I’m working really well with the team, so it’s all going really well.
“We had two sessions today, the first one we were 13th and that was awesome. Just off the top 10 and that was awesome, while in the second session we did a long race run where the pace wasn’t as good, but that wasn’t the plan.
“There are a lot of different things happening up and down the pit lane in terms of strategy in terms of how drivers are roading in their tyres.
“We’re confident in what we have for qualifying and we’ve got some good changes ahead of Race 1.
“Overall, I’m very happy as I look forward to qualifying and the race coming up.”
Bargwanna’s international race debut will be featured on Stan Sport tonight, with the broadcast to commence at 11:05pm AEST.