BRC Racing Team aiming high for WTCR Race of France
BRC Racing Team is aiming to get its fifth season in the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup off to a strong start at the opening round, the Race of France, which takes place this week (May 7-8).
BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse is looking to fight for both the teams’ and drivers’ titles in its second season with the competitive Hyundai Elantra N TCR. Ahead of the first round of the season, the team has conducted an extensive pre-season testing programme with its two drivers, Norbert Michelisz and Mikel Azcona, at circuits around Europe.
The 2.760km Circuit de Pau-Ville will play host to the opening round of the 2022 FIA WTCR season, reviving the tradition of a street track staging the beginning of a new WTCR campaign. As the track has never appeared on the WTCR calendar before, the two Free Practice sessions will play a crucial role in getting up to speed this weekend.
BRC Racing Team enjoyed success at the nearby Pau-Arnos circuit, which held the previous Race of France in October 2021. The team demonstrated strong pace in the Hyundai Elantra N TCR and secured a trip to the podium with Gabriele Tarquini, as well as a total of four points-scoring finishes across the weekend.
Track action at the 2022 edition begins on Saturday 7 May with two Free Practice sessions followed by Qualifying. Both races are scheduled for Sunday 8 May, with the latter a partially-reversed grid. Each race will be different in length: 30 minutes plus one lap for Race 1 and 25 minutes plus one lap for Race 2.
Team Principal of BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse Gabriele Rizzo said: “We’re looking forward to the first event of the 2022 WTCR season and setting out our title-winning intentions from the start. Pau will be a great challenge for the drivers, who will need to negotiate the tight, wall-lined turns as well as find their speed quickly. It is an unforgiving circuit and any mistakes will be punished. Consistency will be key to success in the championship battles this year, and we are confident with the package of the Hyundai Elantra N TCR and our pre-season preparations. With Norbert and Mikel behind the wheel, we believe that we can be competing for victories and challenge at the front this year, all while giving the fans some great on-track battles.”
Norbert Michelisz said: “Pau is a demanding track; it’s a circuit where you need to be on top of your game from the first moment. As a driver you need to be able to fine-tune the car and arrive at your limits just at the right point in qualifying. There is no room for mistakes here. I am confident with the package we have; the target is to exploit the maximum from the Hyundai Elantra N TCR. It will be crucial to qualify inside the top ten and to get some strong finishes – and points - in the races.”
Mikel Azcona said: “I feel really strong with the Hyundai Elantra N TCR. Since the first moment I was in the car, I felt competitive - it allows me to drive on the limit in a very easy way. The goal for this weekend is to do my best. As it is a street track, it is important to take it easy in the first moments on track and find the right rhythm. I have prepared on the simulator as much as possible, because you need to have full confidence on street circuits. With my experience from last year, a better car, and plenty of preparation, I have full confidence heading for the the top of the championship.”