News
Honda Australia and Tony D’Alberto prove fast at The Bend
Press Release / Honda Australia
Tony D’Alberto continued his incredible run of form – and bad luck – in Round 4 of the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series at The Bend in South Australia.
The #2 Honda Civic Type R driver qualified on pole for the third round in a row – the first-ever TCR Australia driver to achieve that feat.
In the first race, D’Alberto made a fast start, but was passed in a daring move by rival Jordan Cox at the first corner. The pair ran almost nose to tail for the entire race distance, with D’Alberto coming home a close second.
Sunday’s first race saw his fortunes swing south. Two cars crashed into one and other, with one spearing onto D’Alberto that spun out his Honda and caused significant damage. The crew repaired the car to see him finish the race four laps behind the leader and in 13th.
Race 3 saw a good fightback, starting down in ninth, crossing the line in sixth place and proving the speed of Civic against his competitive rivals.
After four rounds of the tight TCR battle, D’Alberto has moved up to ninth in the series standings.
In other D’Alberto and Honda news, the Victorian completed his month long charity drive for the Starlight Foundation, raising over $10,000, thanks to the generous support of Honda Australia and his followers.
The next round of the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series will be held at Queensland Raceway on July 12-14.
QUOTES
Tony D’Alberto
#2 Honda Civic Type R TCR
“We had a pretty successful weekend at The Bend,” said D’Alberto.
“We put the Civic Type R on pole and finished second in Race 1, so that was all good, but then come Sunday, our bad luck returned.
“Unfortunately, we got turned around in the reverse top 10 race and we had to play a little bit of catch up. In Race 3, we were right there with the leaders but could only manage to finish the day in sixth.
“So Saturday was great, We rolled out really strong, grabbing our third pole position in a row and scoring another trophy as well.
“It’s really encouraging that we’ve got so much pace on board. Next up, we head to Queensland Raceway and I’m going for my fourth pole position in a row. We’ve had great form at Queensland Raceway before as well, so looking forward to that round and a little bit of warmth as well. It’s been freezing here at Tailem Bend, so all eyes on Queensland Raceway and some nice sunshine!”