BRC Racing Team prepared for Sepang showdown
As an exciting 2019 WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup season draws to a close, BRC Racing Team heads to the tenth and final round on the calendar, WTCR Race of Malaysia, mathematically in contention for both championship titles.
The 5.543km Sepang International Circuit will play host to the grand finale of the 2019 season this weekend (13-15 December). In a unique format for the brand-new event, all three races will be held on the same day in late afternoon, at dusk, and at night under floodlights. With two long straights and a variety of medium and high-speed corners, WTCR looks set for a thrilling showdown as the title fight goes down to the wire.
After a strong weekend at WTCR Race of Macau, Norbert Michelisz has a small advantage of nine points at the top of the drivers’ championship with current WTCR champion Gabriele Tarquini sixth. BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse gained ground in the teams’ battle at Circuit da Guia and now lies second in the standings.
BRC Hyundai N LUKOIL Racing Team driver Nicky Catsburg demonstrated the pace of the Hyundai i30 N TCR in Macau and secured the TAG HEUER Best Lap Trophy for the fastest lap in Race 2. The Dutch driver is 13th with teammate Augusto Farfus in 14th, while BRC Hyundai N LUKOIL Racing Team is fifth in the standings.
BRC Racing Team will focus its efforts on defending its drivers’ championship title and overhauling the deficit in the teams’ classification at WTCR Race of Malaysia.
Action begins with two practice sessions and both qualifying sessions on Friday 13 December. The final three races of the 2019 season will then take place on Sunday 15 December.
Team Principal of BRC Racing Team Gabriele Rizzo said: “The championship fight has come down to the final weekend of racing, and once again we are right at the heart of it. We are mathematically in contention for both titles, and we must ensure we have done everything within our control to deliver them on Sunday in Malaysia. It has been another exciting season for us and the Hyundai i30 N TCR, and we are determined to end the year on a high.”
BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse driver Norbert Michelisz said: “Race of Malaysia will be very intense for us. We are in the best position, leading the championship, but the margin is very small. I’m confident and I like the Sepang circuit. I think we will have a good package there. We will do our best and I will go for the win.”
Teammate Gabriele Tarquini said: “Malaysia will be a very tough race for us. Norbert is leading the championship and we must do everything possible to help his title fight. We will need to find our feet quickly in Sepang and ensure we have the maximum outcome from the weekend.”
BRC Hyundai N LUKOIL Racing Team driver Augusto Farfus said: “It’s going to be a very hot one in all aspects! The championship is on the table and we are definitely going to give it all after a long season. Let’s try to finish the year on a high with a very big smile on our faces, and hopefully a big trophy for Norbi. Fingers crossed, and flat out.”
Nicky Catsburg said: “We’ve now arrived at the final race of the season. It’s obviously extremely important and we want to win the championship at Race of Malaysia. It’s going to be a tough fight but one we’re gladly taking up and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Race of Malaysia overview
Race 1: Sunday 15 December 15:15 – 15:45 MYT (9 Laps)
Race 2: Sunday 15 December 18:15 – 18:45 MYT (9 Laps)
Race 3: Sunday 15 December 20:10 – 20:45 MYT (11 Laps)