Present:
Norbert Nagy, Zengő Motorsport, first position
Petr Fulín, Křenek Motorsport, second position
Fábio Mota, LEIN Racing, third position (subsequently excluded from qualifying)

Q:
Norbi, again a fantastic result here in Vila Real and you bettered your pole time from last year by almost nine tenths of a second. What's your secret around this challenging street track?

NN:
It's because of the slipstream thanks to Fulín! We didn't have to search any set-up, as we use the one from last year. It was easy, everything is the same from last year, but the slipstream was better.

Q:
It's difficult to overtake here, will a good start lead to a good race and you can keep your position?

NN:
Our starts were not the best so far this year so I have to concentrate very hard and we'll see. It's a very good start of the weekend and a good revenge for me. You know the puncture from last year...

Q:
Petr Fulín, congratulations, you've had fantastic pace all day today. Second place is not bad, given that you have granted Norbi pole with a slipstream. How was it from your point of view?

PF:
Firstly, congratulations to Norbi and Fabio, the local hero. I expect this weekend is very important for him. Also, thanks to my team, I had a good car in every session. Concerning the Qualifying - it was crazy, because my mirror during the 30 minutes was full of Norbi. I was not able to change anything and that's why he used slipstream. When I went to pit-lane for the last time, I used radio and told my mechanics - you must be faster than Zengő now! I was very frustrated by this but I think the second position is good. Although second also in Nordschleife... I'm looking forward to a pole position this year! That's why I hope in Belgium and Most I will improve it. I think it's also important two points for my season.

Q:
You had some trouble with your car with strange noises disturbing you. Was the team able to improve it?

PF:
Yes, we found the reason, it was the bearing and everything is ok now. When we found out we were second we tried to change front tyres again but we had some brake issues problems - that's why we lost something and I was not able to continue. Anyway, second position is good.

Q:
With your biggest competitor Christjohannes Schreiber behind, how confident are your for Sunday’s two races now that you lead the ETCC standings?

PF:
You know, I think the most important in life is experience because life is very short. That's why our target is to enjoy the weekend but of course this weekend is very important for the season because then we only have two events. That's why the most important will be safe points from both races. We have to be in front after the weekend in the standings but of course everybody here would like to win. I think the most important will be some safe points from tomorrow's races.

Q:
Fábio, local hero, third place is surely fantastic for you. Or maybe you had higher expectations?

FM:
Thank you very much, it's a pleasure to be here. Last year I was almost here but I missed one position. For me it's very special even the P3. As a local racer it's my seventh edition on this circuit in national and international racing, so for sure I have the obligation to show some pace this weekend. We are in a European championship where I think we have some of the best touring car drivers. You can see drivers from other championships who would try to race in a one-off and it's not so easy for them to stay in top 3. So I think this proves the championship is on a high level, despite the number of cars isn't what we want yet but I'm sure that will improve for next season. For me the expectation is for sure to have a podium this weekend. I'm not obsessed for the victory. Because there are a lot of things - not only the track experience but there is also team work, expectations of sponsors and a lot of things play in our mind as local racers. So we have to be strong and we have to be focused and like Fulín said - it's a pleasure - life is short and it's a pleasure to be here and to start from almost the front row. I will try to make a good start. Like Nagy said our cars are not so easy but I'm trying to improve also this with my driving. I believe if I can do a good start I can play an important role tomorrow.