A third 1-2 finish in TCR World Tour

Our customer team BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse has claimed a third 1-2 finish of the season at the sixth round of the Kumho TCR World Tour, where Norbert has also re-taken the lead in the Drivers’ standings.

Mikel took his first win of the season after a dramatic first race which saw multiple neutralisations. He held third position off the line and after an early safety car period, he was straight on the attack at the restart and quickly moved up into second.

It was a one-lap dash to the chequered flag after the second safety car restart and Mikel was hot on the heels of the leader. He was able to capitalise on the car ahead going wide and snatched first place in the final corners.

“I’m very pleased to have taken my first win of the season,” beamed Mikel. “The team did a fantastic job with the Elantra N TCR and helped me be competitive in every session.”

Team-mate Norbert had an outstanding start from second, better than those around him, and took the early lead. However, a tap from behind at the end of the first lap caused the Hungarian to go wide and lose three positions to fourth. That didn’t stop him from trying to gain more positions, as he made a brave move on the inside of his title rival into the hairpin for third. Norbert was able to gain a further position when the leader went wide, resulting in a second-place finish.

“The weekend started a bit tricky,” said Norbert. “But I felt confident going into qualifying and I’m glad to come away with a podium finish.”

The highs and lows
There were better weather conditions for Sunday’s Race 2, which allowed for more chances to attack. Norbert did exactly that, gaining four positions from ninth on the opening lap. He made another move for fourth after the safety car where he continued for the remainder of the race.

There was some last-minute drama on the final lap when his title rival tried to overtake, but lost grip which caused him to steer into Norbert. The Hungarian was able to keep his Elantra N TCR going with minimal damage and finished in fourth, ultimately outscoring his rival and moving back into the lead of the standings.

“I’ve scored a lot of important points for the standings this weekend,” explained Norbert. “It was always going to be a hard task on a circuit like this with the tough competition around us.”

It was a Sunday to forget for Mikel. He made up two places in the opening corner after starting eighth but made heavy contact with the wall on the run out of the second corner. He was initially able to continue, but after dropping down the order due to damage, he had to bring the Elantra N TCR into the pits for an early retirement.

“The good feelings of the weekend ended in Race 2,” said a dejected Mikel. “The second race was short for me after going into the wall. I’m disappointed as I felt strong before the race.”

After scoring no points in the second race, Mikel drops to fourth in the Drivers’ standings, and BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse retain its second place in the Kumho TCR World Tour for Teams.

The next round of the Kumho TCR World Tour takes place at Sydney Motorsport Park, Australia (3-5 November).