BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse all set for majestic Macau Kumho TCR World Tour finale with three-car entry
As the inaugural Kumho TCR World Tour season draws to a close, BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse continues its triple-header journey to Macau this weekend (November 16-19), for the ninth round on the calendar.
The Macau Grand Prix will host the finale of the 2023 Kumho TCR World Tour season, as international touring car action returns to the country for the first time since 2019. Drivers will go wheel-to-wheel on the 6.120km Circuito da Guia in a bid to be crowned the series’ first winner. Infamous for its unforgiving nature, the unique track is one of the most challenging street circuits in the world, boasting a combination of long, wide straights and tight and twisty turns.
BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse continued its run of podium finishes this year, coming away with a first, second and third across rounds seven and eight in Australia, including a win for Norbert Michelisz at Mount Panorama.
The team has enjoyed strong finishes in the past at the Circuito da Guia; in 2018 it was involved in a dramatic WTCR title showdown that was ultimately won by its driver Gabriele Tarquini. The Italian-based squad will be aiming for similar fortunes this weekend with Hungarian driver Michelisz, who is still in the fight for the drivers’ title, just one point away.
The final round will see a third Hyundai Elantra N TCR entered by BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse supported by a local team, with Marco Butti making his return to the TCR World Tour grid after previously joining in Vallelunga earlier this year. The 18-year-old Italian took an 11th and seventh place finish in the TCR Italian Festival and has enjoyed success in TCR Italy this year.
The itinerary in Macau consists of two free practice sessions on Thursday 16 November, followed by qualifying on Friday 17 November. Race 1 is scheduled to take place on Saturday 18 November and the final race of the season on Sunday 19 November.
Team Principal of BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse Gabriele Rizzo said: “Macau has been the scene of success for our team in the past, and we now find ourselves returning in a position where Norbert is in the fight for the drivers’ title. After four years away, it is great to be back, but we know it will not be easy at such a challenging circuit. We need to ensure that we work hard to have a strong weekend and achieve the ultimate goal at the end. We are also happy to be welcoming Marco back this weekend in a third Hyundai Elantra N TCR, providing him with the platform to experience circuits outside of Europe alongside Hyundai Motorsport.”
Norbert Michelisz said: “Macau is a very special place to end the season, it was where I won my first race in touring cars, so it is one of my favourite circuits. I have full confidence in the Hyundai Elantra N TCR and know that the team will work hard to give me a great car for the weekend. There is no special mindset heading there, it’s just to go flat out. The competition is very tight, and it will be a very exciting weekend. We are here to fight and to win the drivers’ title, I will try to do my best.”
Mikel Azcona said: “I’ve been preparing a lot for Macau on the simulator, it is a track I have previous experience at which helps compared to the last few rounds. It’s very demanding, but I think the Hyundai Elantra N TCR will suit the track a lot and I am really looking forward to the weekend. I feel confident and hopefully we will have similar success to what we have seen earlier on in the season and end the year on a high.”
Marco Butti said: “I am excited to be back with BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse this weekend at the final round in Macau. It’s a great opportunity to be able to race at such an iconic circuit, but I know it won’t be easy as I have never driven there before. I will be using everything I have learned this year in TCR Italy and through the Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing Junior Driver programme to give it my all across the weekend.”