Double podium joy for BRC Racing Team at home event WTCR Race of Italy
BRC Racing Team claimed two podium finishes at its home event Race of Italy, the sixth round of the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup season, where Mikel Azcona finished second in Race 1 and third in Race 2.
Both BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse drivers showed strong pace in qualifying on Saturday with the Hyundai Elantra N TCR. Mikel Azcona and Norbert Michelisz progressed into the top-five Q3 shootout, setting the second and third fastest times respectively.
Starting from the front row in Race 1, Azcona made a good start to battle for the lead in the opening corners, staying hot on the heels of the car ahead. After a few attempts to close the gap, Azcona crossed the line in second, where he began the race, earning himself his first trip to the podium. His team-mate Michelisz challenged the cars in front for position after he dropped two positions in the first lap. With limited overtaking opportunities, the Hungarian was unable to make further progress up the field but capitalised on cars in front going into the pits. He finished the race in fourth.
From eighth on the grid in Race 2, Azcona had moved up to sixth by the end of the first lap. After seeing his team-mate sustaining pressure from behind, Michelisz let Azcona pass to close the gap on the pack ahead. Following similar events in Race 1, issues for other cars meant the Spaniard was able to gain another two positions in the remainder of the race and bring home third place - his seventh podium of the season. Michelisz began in seventh and after a somewhat quiet race, took the chequered flag in fourth position; this elevates him to eighth in the drivers’ standings.
BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse departs Italy still leading both title fights, with Mikel Azcona pulling ahead by 36 points in the drivers’ standings and the team 45 points clear.
Team Principal of BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse Gabriele Rizzo said: “It has been a great weekend at our home race. I am so happy and so proud of the work that the team has done, it is not easy to manage a track like this in these temperatures. From having sacrificed FP1 to do race simulations, a great performance from both drivers in qualifying and then perfect management of the race with the Hyundai Elantra N TCR. Honestly, we cannot expect more than what we have done here this weekend in front of our fans. Congratulations to Mikel and Norbi and to all the team for the job done this weekend.”
Mikel Azcona said: “Race of Italy was very positive with a double podium. It’s looking good for the championship with many points in the bag. The Hyundai Elantra N TCR was just incredible, with a very constant pace. The races were tough and the temperature inside was high so it was demanding. The car survived very well, and we finished the races with no problems. It allowed me to finish on the podium in both races. Thanks to Norbi, he was working really well as a team-mate and he did a very good job as well for the team.”
Norbert Michelisz said: “The races were tough today; it was all about tyre management. Finishing fourth in both races was ok and we scored many points for the team in the title standings. My start was good in Race 2, and I was in a position to fight the guys in front, but I saw Mikel getting pressure from behind, so I switched my tactics to let him pass as soon as possible and I did my best to cover him. The car felt fine, and I was happy with the final result of the weekend.”
The next race of the 2022 WTCR season, Race of Alsace, takes place on August 6-7.
2022 FIA World Touring Car Cup for Teams
After Round 6
1. BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse 298
2. All-Inkl.com Muennich Motorsport 253
3. Cyan Performance Lynk & Co 211
2022 FIA World Touring Car Cup for Drivers
After Round 6
1. Mikel Azcona 200
2. Nestor Girolami 164
3. Robert Huff 148
...
8. Norbert Michelisz 98