After a difficult start to the weekend marked only by 11th and 10th fastest times in Q1 and Q2, Timmy Hansen made full use of Q3 to firmly put himself back in contention.

By setting the outright fastest time in the Open 4WD category, the former World Rallycross Champion climbed five places in the intermediate standings, moving from 10th to 5th overall.

A recovery that could prove extremely valuable for the Swedish driver heading into Saturday’s final phases of Race 1.

Even so, Hansen openly admitted that his first laps behind the wheel of his new car had been particularly challenging. Still in the process of understanding the package, the Swede explained that his lack of familiarity had been the biggest obstacle during the opening qualifying heats.

“On Friday morning, during the first laps, the problem mainly came from me. Learning how to drive a new car is never easy, especially in a discipline where everyone is operating on the limit and where there’s absolutely no margin for hesitation or lost time.”

An adaptation phase made even more complicated by a series of unfortunate incidents.

“I needed a few laps to really understand the car and find the rhythm. On top of that, I had quite a bit of bad luck as well, with a puncture in the first heat and then contact at the first corner in the next one.”

It ultimately took until Q2 for Hansen to begin rediscovering sensations closer to his usual standards. Running this time in cleaner air and with less traffic around him, the Swede gradually rebuilt his confidence before delivering a major statement in the third qualifying heat.

“In Q2, I was finally able to drive with some clean air and without pressure. That helped me get some good feelings back and properly prepare for Q3. In rallycross, when you start at the front, the race changes completely because you’re no longer fighting the other drivers, only the stopwatch.”

A turnaround immediately confirmed by the outright fastest time in the Open 4WD category during Q3.

“I still think I can go much faster and improve my driving, but going from being one and a half seconds off the pace on Friday morning to winning Q3 is obviously very satisfying. Ending the day on a positive note really feels good.”

Having spent most of the day buried deep in the intermediate standings, Hansen also admitted he had been surprised to climb back up to fifth place overall.

“Honestly, I expected to end up on the back row, so climbing back to fifth place is a really nice surprise.”

Above all, the 2019 FIA World RX Champion appeared encouraged by the quality of his starts throughout the day.

“My starts were very good all day long. I always managed to gain a few metres off the clutch release. Now, against the very fastest drivers, it will obviously become more difficult, but starting from the inside line in the semi-finals is still a real advantage.”

With wet conditions expected on Saturday, Hansen nevertheless believes there is still significant room for improvement with a car he is continuing to learn.

“The conditions should be wet on Saturday, so there will still be a lot to learn with this car.”

Proof that the Swede is still very much in a learning phase, Hansen even admitted that he has yet to fully exploit the potential of his new machinery.

“I haven’t even used the push-to-pass yet. Right now, I’m mainly focused on driving cleanly and understanding the car.”

A statement that suggests there may be even more performance to come over the remainder of the weekend.

“Now, I’m finally starting to feel comfortable. I recognise my driving sensations more clearly, I know where I can attack, how far I can push the car and what level of grip to expect. It’s only from that point that you can really start chasing the final tenths.”