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WTCR racer Vernay back on Dutch podium

Ninety days after claiming victory in Race 3 at WTCR Race of Netherlands, Jean-Karl Vernay was on the podium again in the country, taking second place in the first of two TCR Europe counters at Assen on 18 August.

Starting his WRT-run Leopard Lukoil Team Audi RS 3 LMS from pole position, Vernay led initially before losing out to Dániel Nagy - a wildcard at WTCR Race of Hungary - in the battle for top spot. Kris Richard, one of two wildcards at WTCR Race of Germany, placed third.

"It's frustrating to lose a win that we should have claimed, but that's racing," said Vernay, who had damaged his Audi's suspension in free practice. "Everything went well in the initial laps, but then I was a little bit late at the braking into the first corner and Nagy passed.

"Given yesterday's heavy repairs to the chassis, not everything was perfect in the car, especially [with the] brake balance. I was able to keep side-by-side with him and retake the lead, but then we arrived at Turns 3 and 4 and there was gravel all over the Tarmac and I couldn't keep the line. I am a little annoyed, as the points lost would have been very useful."

Vernay, who finished seventh in Race 2, is fifth in the standings with two events remaining. Meanwhile, the Frenchman will resume his bid for honours in the WTCR - FIA World Touring Car Cup presented by OSCARO at WTCR Race of China-Ningbo from 28-30 September.

Zdroj: fiawtcr.com