Raphael Reis: “We are optimistic for tomorrow”

Raphael Reis is upbeat after a difficult FIA Motorsport Games qualifying race at Valencia, as the Brazilian driver managed to finish in fourth place despite suffering heavy contact from Jenson Brickley.

Reis was in fourth place during the opening lap when Brickley (Cupra) tried to overtake and hit the Monlau Motorsport driver from behind, with both cars sustaining significant damage.

“This wasn’t what we hoped for as we had great expectations for today,” the Brazilian told TouringCarTimes. “Yesterday we tested many things for the race and we had a very good car, but it didn’t go as we expected.”

Reis started the race on the back foot, as Ignacio Montenegro (Honda) jumping the start surprised him.

“When Montenegro jumped the start it complicated things a bit for me, because I was focused and, as his car moved, I was distracted,” said Reis.

“Then, at Turn 5, I had a collision from another driver. I don’t know what happened and it wasn’t necessary, because it was a qualifying race, but the other driver launched himself and bumped me. This caused us a flat tyre and we had to stop in the pits.”

Reis limped back to the pits where the Monlau Motorsport mechanics fixed the car and returned it to the track just in time to not lose a lap.

“With the safety car, everything changed and we were able to finish in P4. I don’t know how the weather will be tomorrow, but I think we are in a good position to start, so I’m looking forward to it,” said Reis.