BRC Racing Team aiming for a strong performance at WTCR Race of Alsace GrandEst
BRC Racing Team is targeting more podium finishes this weekend (August 6-7) in Anneau du Rhin as the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup heads to Race of Alsace GrandEst for the seventh round of the 2022 season.
BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse claimed two podium finishes in Italy at round six with Mikel Azcona after showing strong pace in the Hyundai Elantra N TCR all weekend. Both Azcona and team-mate Norbert Michelisz progressed into the top-five Q3 shootout in qualifying and earned valuable points for the team in the standings.
The team is hoping to leverage this momentum and continue to fight at the front of the pack in Anneau du Rhin. The main target is to continue leading both standings and boost Michelisz’s position in the driver standings.
Race of Alsace will mark the first time the series has raced at Circuit de l’Anneau du Rhin. Measuring 3.621km in length, the track is situated in eastern France near Blitzheim, providing a picturesque setting. With no previous experience of the circuit, the free practice sessions at the start of the weekend will be crucial to get up to speed.
The itinerary for Race of Alsace begins on Friday 5 August with a 60-minute test, then two free practice sessions and qualifying follow on Saturday 6 August. Both races take place on Sunday 7 August, with Race 1 (30 mins + 1 lap) and Race 2 (25 mins + 1 lap).
Team Principal of BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse Gabriele Rizzo said: “Circuit de l’Anneau du Rhin is a new track for us, and we will need to get up to speed quickly if we are wanting to challenge at the front of the field. We are venturing into the unknown, but we know that we have a competitive package with the Hyundai Elantra N TCR as we have seen at previous rounds. We know there is still work to be done to remain on our successful streak of results. There is also not long left of the season, so we need to focus session by session on doing our best to continue our lead at the top of the standings.”
Mikel Azcona said: “The main target at Race of Alsace is to try and be in the front pack, staying consistent like we have been doing this season. The other drivers are getting better every round, but I am confident in the Hyundai Elantra N TCR, and I am certain we will be fighting for the top positions. We will try to extend the lead in the standings so we can go into the final two rounds of the season with a comfortable margin. It will be my first time at the circuit, but I think it will be the same for a lot of the grid, so I am looking forward to it.”
Norbert Michelisz said: “It is going to be a new circuit for us, so I’m not sure what to expect. The circuit is very narrow and unique, so it is always very difficult to make predictions for places like this. I think we are capable of finishing inside the top ten, and that gives us the possibility of scoring some good points, which should be the target of the weekend. The extra testing session will also be a help, but of course it will help everyone else. But it is a good feeling to be more prepared and to get to know the circuit. I’m looking forward to the event.”