Two podium finishes for BRC Racing Team at WTCR Race of Alsace GrandEst
BRC Racing Team have claimed another two podium finishes this weekend (August 6-7) with Mikel Azcona at Race of Alsace GrandEst, the seventh round of the 2022 WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup season.
The BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse drivers showed great pace during the free practice sessions at Anneau du Rhin with the Hyundai Elantra N TCR. In qualifying, Mikel Azcona progressed into the top-five Q3 shootout for the third time this season. He set the third fastest time, while Michelisz secured a second row start for the reverse-grid Race 2.
A thrilling Race 1 saw both Azcona and Michelisz battling hard and applying pressure to their competitors. Initially running in a podium position, Azcona dropped a place and immediately fought to regain it, but he could not make the move stick and crossed the line in fourth. On a track that is known to be difficult to overtake, Michelisz stormed through the field, making up three positions to finish fifth. A post-race penalty for another competitor moved Azcona into third and Michelisz into fourth position.
Starting eighth on the Race 2 grid, Azcona shot round the outside to make up two places in the opening moments, before gaining another position and sitting fifth by lap three. A tense battle commenced for Azcona to make further places through the pack. After another impressive overtake to take fourth, the Spaniard passed his teammate Michelisz, who was running in third, and quickly caught up to the cars ahead. With no laps remaining to progress, Azcona crossed the line in third, while Michelisz came home in fourth, securing crucial points for the team standings.
BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse departs Race of Alsace GrandEst maintaining its lead in both title fights, with Mikel Azcona 35 points ahead in the drivers’ standings and the team 57 points clear of their closest competitor.
Team Principal of BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse Gabriele Rizzo said: “What a tough weekend. We expected it to be the hardest event of the season. Again it was a very strong and solid performance from all the team and the drivers. I feel that we got close to the maximum we could give, and that is something that has happened often this year, which explains why we are leading both standings. We are entering the summer break looking at a few, long awaited days of rest, and I would like to give my thanks specifically to all the people that are not here but have a role in this success. To Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing staff, for their incredible support, and to our top management and all our colleagues in our company that follow and support us with extraordinary competence and passion. This, as much as our job at the event, make these results possible.”
Mikel Azcona said: “A fantastic weekend. I am very happy with a double podium again. It’s been an intense first part of the year, but I am very positive as we only lost one point over the weekend to the second-place driver in the standings. During the races the fight was very tough, I was pushing to the limit in both. I had a lot to lose if I fought too hard, which meant I drove a little more conservative. I had to take the opportunity to make overtakes though. I am so happy for the team; they are working incredibly hard, and I am very pleased for them. They have given me a fantastic car which is helping to get these great results and keep us at the top.”
Norbert Michelisz said: “The weekend was quite exciting. The circuit was good and fun to drive on. Performance wise, we were there from the first moments and the Hyundai Elantra N TCR was working very well. Unfortunately, qualifying didn’t go as planned as I was caught up in traffic. I had to start in eighth in Race 1, but I finished in fourth and I was very happy with the progress that I made there. In Race 2 I started third, I really tried my best to gain some positions and go for the win, but the others were fast enough to stay ahead. I again finished fourth, which is a good result for me personally. Finishing third and fourth in both races is great points for the team in the standings.”