BRC Racing Team seeking success in Slovakia
BRC Racing Team is aiming to secure its first podium finishes in 2020 at Race of Slovakia, the third round of the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup season.
Race of Slovakia is set to be an intense weekend for BRC Hyundai N LUKOIL Squadra Corse. Not only will it be the first event to have three races this season, all six of WTCR’s on-track sessions will take place across just two days (October 10-11).
The 5.922km Slovakia Ring is popular among motorsport enthusiasts and drivers alike, with its elevation and speed changes and corner configurations providing the conditions for great racing.
BRC Hyundai N LUKOIL Squadra Corse will be looking to repeat its 2019 performance at the Slovakia Ring with the Hyundai i30 N TCR. Norbert Michelisz started Races 1 and 3 on the front row of the grid, successfully converting them into podium finishes. His teammate Gabriele Tarquini struggled in qualifiying but battled his way through the field to improve his position – making up 12 places alone in Race 1.
Saturday 10 October will feature two free practice sessions, followed by qualifying. The tweaked format will see Q1 determine the starting order for Race 1. The top 12 fastest cars progress to Q2, before a five car pole position shoot-out in Q3. The final combined qualifying sets the grid for Race 3, while the top ten positions are reversed for Race 2.
All three races will take place on Sunday 11 October; Races 1 and 2 are contested over 9 laps, before the 11-lap Race 3 brings action in Slovakia to a close.
Team Principal of BRC Hyundai N LUKOIL Squadra Corse Gabriele Rizzo said: “Our aim is to get our title defence back on track at Race of Slovakia. We believe we can show the true pace and performance of the Hyundai i30 N TCR at the Slovakia Ring, where we have enjoyed strong performances in the past. As we approach the halfway point of the season, every opportunity to score points counts, so we have to take the maximum from every session.”
Norbert Michelisz said: “Race of Slovakia feels like a second home race for me; many Hungarian fans often attend so the atmosphere is always really good. I also like the layout – out of all the circuits on the calendar this year I think Slovakia Ring is one of the best. It should suit our car and I hope to have a good weekend fighting for podium finishes.”
Gabriele Tarquini said: “Slovakia Ring is one of my favourite tracks. I have a lot of good memories from the past seasons and have won there a few times. I love the circuit – it’s very long, very difficult and very technical. You have very fast corners and a lot of opportunities for overtaking. It’s always a great show for the fans. I hope to have some good races and the target is to be back on the podium.”