Four i30 N TCR will compete in the 2020 season
Four of our Customer Racing-built i30 N TCR cars are set to line-up on the grid for the third season of the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup, with our customers looking to add to their success in the drivers’ titles with a teams’ honour in 2020.
Triumphant return
Following a very strong 2019 season, BRC Racing Team will field two i30 N TCR cars after delivering drivers to the last two series titles. Gabriele Tarquini lifted the trophy in 2018, and was succeeded by team-mate Norbert Michelisz in Malaysia last December.
The duo has been vital in in building the reputation of the i30 N TCR as the most successful car in WTCR, contributing 13 of the 20 race wins in the series.
This season, running under the BRC Hyundai N LUKOIL Squadra Corse flag, their aim will be not only to claim the drivers’ crown, but to give BRC Racing Team a title of their own.
Norbert said: “I feel I really work well with BRC, and with Gabriele as my teammate and that shows in the results we have had for the last two seasons. I know I have the title, but I know we can be faster in 2020.”
“I’m already excited for the new WTCR season, and to get back to racing with the i30 N TCR. It would be great to finish 2020 with both titles at BRC for the first time,” agreed Gabriele.
Familiar faces make debut
Engstler Hyundai N Liqui Moly Racing Team will also run the i30 N TCR on the world stage, entering a pair of cars. The team is a familiar name to motorsport fans, and are already one of the most successful in the world with our i30 N TCR.
Since becoming our customer in 2018, Engstler Motorsport has taken wins in TCR Germany, TCR China and TCR Malaysia, with its drivers taking the championship in three of those series.
Nicky Catsburg joins the squad as it makes its first foray into WTCR, with the Dutchman continuing at the wheel of our car for a second season.
Nicky said: “The series has some of the best racing, and best touring car drivers in the world and is incredibly competitive on track in every session. I’m excited for a second season in the series, and with a new team.”
Luca Engstler, a member of our Customer Racing Junior Driver initiative, moves onto the grid full-time. The German has an enviable record in TCR competition, with four titles to his name. Luca drove to two top-ten finishes as a wildcard at Race of Slovakia in 2019, and later made his full debut at Race of Macau.
“Joining the WTCR grid is really a dream for me. As part of their Junior Driver program last year I was able to take advantage of some of their knowledge and learn from guys like Norbi, Gabriele and Nicky. Hopefully I can repay some of the support they’ve given me and help keep the i30 N TCR at the front of the field.”
New challenges
The season ahead will present several unknowns to the teams and drivers competing for the 2020 title. A revised compensation weight formula will be introduced this season and cars will run on Goodyear tyres. WTCR will also visit several circuits for the first time, including our home country for Race of South Korea at the Inje Speedium circuit.
Our Senior Sales Associate Andrew Johns said: “Our car already has a fantastic record in WTCR competition, and the line-up of customer teams and drivers that will take the car to the 2020 grid means that should continue for the coming season. BRC Racing Team and Engstler Motorsport are two of the most successful TCR squads in the world so to have them both as Hyundai Motorsport customers is great.”
