1-2 finish in Race 1
Our customer BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse has enjoyed a spectacular weekend at the third round of the Kumho TCR World Tour in Vallelunga, where Norbert and Mikel claimed a 1-2 finish in Race 1.
A fantastic start to the event saw Norbert and team-mate Mikel secure a superb front-row lock-out for Race 1. Race day on Sunday brought intense heat – and pressure from a charging pack. Norbert and Mikel worked together to keep the challenge at bay, and amid issues for others they managed to pull a gap from those behind. Norbert’s victory and Mikel’s second place secured the team’s second 1-2 of the season.
“The goal was achieved today to bring home the 1-2 in Race 1, which I am very happy about,” said an ecstatic Norbert. “Not only was Mikel behind me but the Audi behind him had good pace, so there was no choice but to go flat out.”
Keeping cool in the chaos
Mikel and Norbert started Race 2 in ninth and tenth respectively. They took advantage of a chaotic few opening laps to make their way up the order. By lap four, when the Safety Car was called, Norbert was fifth and Mikel just behind in sixth.
Mikel went on to claim his second fastest lap of the weekend as they chased down the leading group, and they moved up into fourth and fifth. As a result of their efforts, Norbert has extended his lead to 25 points in the drivers’ standings, while Mikel improves from sixth to fourth.
“A positive weekend here in Vallelunga,” added Mikel. “We learned many things and improved how the car performs under really high temperatures as well – which is crucial as we are heading into several rounds where we will face these conditions.”
TCR World Tour debut
TCR World Tour joined forces with competitors normally seen in TCR Italy at the Autodromo Vallelunga for the one-off TCR Italian Festival. For the event, BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse entered a third Elantra N TCR car driven by Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing Junior Driver, Marco Butti.
Marco narrowly missed out on the second Qualifying session and would start both races from 13th place. The Italian managed to gain places in both, finishing eleventh and seventh respectively which saw him crowned the winner of the TCR Italian Festival.
“The weekend was tough, but in the end I am happy,” concluded Marco. “I worked very well with my mentor, Gabriele, who has been helping me a lot through the Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing Junior Driver programme. I finished first in the TCR Italian Festival, which was very important for me personally.”
The next round of the TCR World Tour takes place at the Hungaroring next week (June 16-18)
