As the TCR Europe series reached its mid-point in Hungary, Josh Files was left to rue the loss of a victory – but glad to have climbed to fourth place in the championship with a podium place in the second race.

Eastern Daily Press: Josh Files on his way to third place in race two of the latest TCR Europe championship race at the Hungaroring to move up to fourth place in the series Picture: TCR EuropeJosh Files on his way to third place in race two of the latest TCR Europe championship race at the Hungaroring to move up to fourth place in the series Picture: TCR Europe (Image: Archant)

'It was a decent reward for the team after the season we've had so far so I'm more than happy with that,' said the Poringland racer after securing third place in race two.

The meeting had got off to a great start for the Hell Energy Racing with KCMG driver who, along with team-mate Attila Tassi, was only just pipped to pole position when Mikel Azcona bolted on two dry weather tyres to the front of his car to steal the top spot away from the Honda duo on the last lap.

The circuit was also slippery for the opening race, conditions the local racer thrives on, and Files soon squeezed his Civic into the lead, which was short-lived as Azcona bumped him out of the way, resulting in Files sustaining a puncture which ruined his event.

'What do you have to do these days to finish? I made a great start, took the lead, controlled the race and then Mikel made a stupid move.

Eastern Daily Press: Porlingland’'s Josh Files leading the opening TCR Europe race at the Hungaroring before he retired with a puncture Picture: TCR EuropePorlingland’'s Josh Files leading the opening TCR Europe race at the Hungaroring before he retired with a puncture Picture: TCR Europe (Image: Archant)

'It's ridiculous, just stock car racing at the moment, and it has to stop,' said a very animated Files afterwards.

Files was running in fourth place in the early stages of race two until he was attacked from behind, slipping down a position, but patiently waited for an opportunity to advance, which he did as team-mate Tassi tried to snatch third place.

In the confusion, Files managed to jump both Francisco Abreu and Tassi, but with the two Hyundai i30 drivers, Francisco Mora and Daniel Nagy, well ahead consolidated third place.

'We had good performance and a strong car throughout the race,' added Files.

'I had a good start, but then I got hit from behind. I don't know if Borkovi? out-braked himself or something, but he hit me really hard in the back and I lost a few places to Attila and Abreu.

'I took advantage when they were all fighting and got into third and then drove off.

'That was good but we couldn't catch the M1RA cars.

'I decided after a lap or so to concentrate on keeping third which was a good result for us'.