Gabriele Tarquini impressed with Chang International Circuit

Gabriele Tarquini finished the testing session in seventh in Buriram, Thailand, just behind championship leader José María López. The Castrol Honda driver was not comfortable with his car during the first session of the day.

“To be honest, I am not 100% happy with the car at the moment,” admitted the Italian to TouringCarTimes. “We obviously used new tyres, so it is not useful to make comparisons against the others. I think in free practice 1 and 2 we will know more about that.”

Despite this morning’s struggles, the Italian could not help being impressed with the Chang International Circuit: “This is a proper Formula 1-standard track. The layout is interesting and I’m sure it will provide some exciting racing, because there is a clear overtaking point at Turn 3, but the track is also wide enough to allow you to take different lines, so it’s going to be interesting.”

The facilities of the Thai track also made a good impression on the Honda driver: “I looked very carefully at the track obviously, and there are several details such as the drains to the side of the road which make it clear that this track is very advanced and very well-built. I am really impressed.”

Tarquini scored four podiums this year, his best result being a second place in Shanghai last time out.