1-2 finish for customers at Race of Germany

Our newest TCR challenger, the Elantra N TCR, has taken an emphatic 1-2 result at WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup Race of Germany.

Our customers Engstler Hyundai N Liqui Moly Racing Team dominated Race 2, with Jean-Karl and Luca claiming the top two spots on the podium at the team’s home event. Jean-Karl had qualified on the front row and stormed into the lead, with Engstler battling up from fourth to be right behind him in the run down to the first corner.

The duo soon pulled away from their nearest rivals, with both Elantra N TCR cars showing they had the pace to win the race. Ultimately Vernay triumphed with his debut win with his new team, while Luca Engstler secured his first-ever WTCR podium.

“This was the perfect start for me with a new team and Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing,” said a jubilant Jean-Karl. “To take the first win with the Hyundai Elantra N TCR at the first round of the new WTCR season is a pretty cool feeling.”

As a result of their efforts, Engstler Hyundai N Liqui Moly Racing Team leads the teams’ standings. Jean-Karl tops the drivers’ classification, while Luca sits fourth.

“It has been an incredible home event for me and to be fighting for victory in our first event with the Hyundai Elantra N TCR is amazing,” commented Luca. “I am really pleased for my teammate, Jean-Karl, and that we were able to secure a 1-2 finish for the team, but I really wanted the win today.”

Mixed emotions for BRC Racing Team

BRC Hyundai N LUKOIL Squadra Corse was in the mix for victory in Race 1; Gabriele moved up from fifth on the reverse grid to put himself in contention for a podium. He briefly powered into the lead with his Elantra N TCR on the second lap, but a mistake proved costly and the Italian dropped down to sixth.

“My start in Race 1 was great and I was involved in some good fighting until the second lap,” summarised Gabriele. “When I was in the lead I approached the last corner too fast because of my speed on the straight. I locked my front tyres and lost a few positions in the first corner.”

His teammate Norbert began the race on the second row but lost places at the start after going wide at the first corner. This put him down to eighth, from which he recovered to cross the finish line in fifth.

Both drivers finished Race 2 prematurely; Norbert was collected in the aftermath of an on-track incident, while Gabriele made contact with another car that resulted in race-ending damage.

“I didn’t have a good start in Race 1,” admitted Norbi. “I managed to come back a bit, the car was working well but fifth place was a bit of damage limitation. In Race 2 I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and in the end my race was done by the first corner.”

WTCR heads to Portugal for the second round of the season on June 25-27.