BRC Racing Team crowned WTCR winners
In a fitting end to a thrilling 2019 WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup season, BRC Racing Team has successfully defended its WTCR drivers’ title at the final round, WTCR Race of Malaysia.
BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse driver Norbert Michelisz took the crown with a spectacular performance at the 5.543km Sepang International Circuit. The Hungarian driver impressed on Friday by scoring both pole positions on offer, putting himself at the front of the grid for Sunday’s Races 1 and 3. In tricky wet conditions, Michelisz powered to a lights-to-flag Race 1 victory.
Michelisz succeeds his teammate Gabriele Tarquini as winner of the drivers’ title. The Italian joined Michelisz on Race 1’s podium, progressing through the field from sixth in the intensifying rain to finish in third. BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse headed to WTCR Race of Malaysia in contention for the teams’ title. After a competitive showing in Friday’s qualifying session, the team made inroads in the points deficit to its closest competitors and finished just 34 points adrift in second place.
In the dry qualifying sessions the Hyundai i30 N TCR demonstrated its competitive pace, with all four drivers qualifying in the top-ten for Sunday’s Races 2 and 3. BRC Hyundai N LUKOIL Racing Team driver Nicky Catsburg qualified in fourth for Race 3, while teammate Augusto Farfus started in the same position in Race 2’s reverse grid.
Sunday was a more difficult day for the BRC Hyundai N LUKOIL Racing Team, with both drivers falling victim to the treacherous conditions caused by the weather. The team finished the season sixth in the standings, with Catsburg and Farfus 13th and 15th respectively.
WTCR Race of Malaysia featured a unique format, with all three races taking place in one day in different light and weather conditions. Race 1 took place during the day, Race 2 at dusk, and Race 3 at night. With a win apiece for Michelisz and his title rival Esteban Guerrieri, the title went down to the wire in spectacular fashion under the Sepang floodlights.
Team Principal of BRC Racing Team Gabriele Rizzo said: “We set out to defend our drivers’ title, and we have achieved our goal. We could not be happier to see Norbert lift the trophy, and it is fantastic that it has been passed to him by Gabriele. I am so proud about the work of the team. Last year we were newcomers in an incredibly high level series and we won, and this year the overall level of the field increased. We were able to show we could manage four cars with professional drivers at the highest level, and we won again. I really think the fantastic attitude and cooperation among all the team members was the key point for the win compared to the other competitors. Thanks to Hyundai Motorsport for the support and thanks to the Hyundai i30 N TCR that has proved again it is the car to beat in touring car regulations.”
BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse driver Norbert Michelisz said: “It feels unbelievable to have won the title. It was probably the most difficult and longest day of my life. I’m really grateful to all the support from the teams and the fans for coming on this journey with me. Now it is time to celebrate!”
Teammate Gabriele Tarquini said: “My number 1 is gone now, but it is in very good hands. I’m very happy Norbert won and to give my title to him because he deserves it. He had a fantastic season and he is a worthy champion.”
BRC Hyundai N LUKOIL Racing Team driver Augusto Farfus said: “Sunday was not a great day for me, I had some technical problems with the car so could not really bring home the points. In the end we have a P1 and a well-deserved title for Norbert and BRC Racing Team.”
Nicky Catsburg said: “Overall, Race of Malaysia was not the best of weekends for me but obviously the ultimate goal has been reached: Norbert is the champion and we will now celebrate with everyone.”