TCR World and life

7 The first hero of the TCR era Stefano Comini was the first hero of the TCR era. The Swiss driver won the first two editions of the TCR International Series that launched TCR racing. His flamboyant driving style and easy-going character also made him the perfect ambassador for the new concept. After taking a sabbatical year in 2019 and having turned 30, he doesn’t rule out a comeback to racing and follows the TCR world closely. “Those were three fantastic years I will always cherish. Until then I had been selling fire extinguishers and racing on weekends when I could find money. In 2015 I had at last the opportunity of showing what I was capable of and TCR put me in the picture. It was great winning two titles in a row and the first-ever TCR race in Malaysia. And even the very first win of a TCR car, which actually happened one year earlier, in 2014, something that many do not know. A SEAT León in TCR configuration took part in the SEAT León Eurocup at the Nürburgring. It was a real- racing test, and I won... The three years of the TCR International Series were great because we all were starting from a blank sheet of paper into a brand new project, which worked from day one. There was a lot of enthusiasm and authenticity, a terrific atmosphere, It was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved .” What are you busy with at the moment? “I’m involved in a few SIM racing projects. I have always been a fan of simulators and SIM training was one of the reasons for my success as a ‘real’ driver, because it allowed me to compensate for not testing and not knowing the tracks. Now the halt of racing imposed by the pandemic is fostering online races and I am convinced this should be the first step for whoever wants to start a racing career. Online racing and training on simulators are two very different things, but I am developing projects in both areas and hopefully I will have something quite interesting to present soon.” Does it mean that your real racing career is on hold? “No, I still consider myself a real driver! I would love to be involved in TCR again, but it will only be if I can find the right project, with realistic chances of going for good results and of putting on a show!”