BRC Racing Team aiming for Suzuka success at WTCR Race of Japan
After a successful outing in China last month, BRC Racing Team heads to the eighth round of the 2019 WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup season, Race of Japan, with ambitions of extending its lead in the drivers’ championship.
WTCR Race of Japan will return to Suzuka to tackle the circuit’s 2.243km East Course. The shorter layout retains some of the track’s most iconic elements, such as the legendary First Turn and the flowing S corner, with the cars in near constant view of the fans in the grandstands.
BRC Racing Team aims to continue its momentum from WTCR Race of China, at which the team celebrated a race win and three podiums and powered to the top of the drivers’ championship with Norbert Michelisz. The Hungarian driver has a 15-point advantage at the top of the standings, while the team further reduced the gap to the lead in the teams’ battle.
Last year’s edition of Race of Japan saw Michelisz and his BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse teammate Gabriele Tarquini enjoy success in Suzuka, with both drivers securing podium finishes. As the penultimate round in a closely fought season, the event set up an exciting championship showdown that went down to the wire. The team will be focussing on maximising every session in a bid to defend the drivers’ championship title.
Augusto Farfus and Nicky Catsburg are no strangers to Suzuka. Having shown great performances in their Hyundai i30 N TCR cars last month at Ningbo International Speedpark, the BRC Hyundai N LUKOIL Racing Team drivers are geared up for another strong outing.
On-track battles at WTCR Race of Japan begin with two practice sessions on Friday 25 October, along with two qualifying rounds. Saturday will feature Race 1 (24 laps) and Sunday will see the final two races - Race 2 (24 laps) and Race 3 (28 laps).
Team Principal of BRC Racing Team Gabriele Rizzo said: “Suzuka is a true highlight of the WTCR calendar, and as a team we have gone well here in the past. While there was much to celebrate in China, we recognised the need to continue our improvement in performance and reliability. Everyone has been working hard to ensure we are extracting the full potential from the Hyundai i30 N TCR in the remaining rounds of the season. We are looking forward to seeing the results of this on track at Suzuka.”
BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse driver Norbert Michelisz said: “Suzuka is one of my favourite circuits. I really like the layout and, having won in 2013, I look forward to racing there again. Japan is a beautiful country which adds to the excitement of the weekend.”
Teammate Gabriele Tarquini said: “I have good memories of Suzuka and last year was a great experience. It was one of the key events in my championship winning year and I approach Race of Japan with a smile on my face.”
BRC Hyundai N LUKOIL Racing Team driver Augusto Farfus said: “Suzuka is a lovely place, I love the fans and the track – it's very challenging. Unlike some of the tracks this season, Suzuka is one I am familiar with so I’m looking forward to a strong performance.”
Teammate Nicky Catsburg said: “Suzuka has made a brilliant first impression on me, I’ve recently raced there for the first time so now I have some on-track experience. It’s a great circuit and a wonderful country and I can’t wait for Race of Japan.”
Race of Japan overview
Race 1: Saturday 26 October 15:05 – 15:35 JST (24 Laps)
Race 2: Sunday 27 October 10:00 – 10:30 JST (24 Laps)
Race 3: Sunday 27 October 11:30 – 11:45 JST (28 Laps)