Tom Coronel: “I will be back!”

Comtoyou Racing’s Tom Coronel scored his best result of the 2022 FIA WTCR season in Sunday’s Race 1 at Jeddah, crossing the line in third place after an overall competitive weekend for the team so far and the Audi cars.

The Dutch driver started from fourth place on the grid but climbed up to third during the first lap.

The team’s strategy was to attack second-place Norbert Michelisz (Hyundai Elantra N TCR), but Coronel didn’t have the pace, instead allowing his team-mate Franco Girolami to try his chances at the Hungarian.

“The team asked me if I could attack Norbi and I told them that I didn’t have the pace, as I had too much understeer in T4 and T7, so we swapped so he could try it and see if he could attack him because, otherwise, he would give it back,” explained Coronel.

Girolami challenged Michelisz but was unable to overtake the Hungarian. He fell back and allowed Coronel to recover third place, his first podium finish of the season.

“It felt good, there was a nice battle in front, and some times I wished they would spin so I could gain an extra position, but it look fair and it looked nice and everything was under control,” added the Dutch driver.

Coronel is facing the last-ever WTCR race in its current format, having been part of the grid since the series’ inception and throughout its many faces. The Comtoyou Racing driver is certain that he will compete again next season.

“Back in 2001 was my first race in Estoril, since then I have been in touring car championships. In my mind I’m still 25 and I feel just 25, so I will be back!” Coronel joked.