Mikel Azcona wins Race 2 in Pau
Our Elantra N TCR customers were celebrating with a visit to the top step of the podium in the first round of the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup season, Race of France, this weekend (May 7-8).
BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse driver Mikel secured his first victory for the team in Race 2 at the Circuit de Pau-Ville. Following an incident on lap one, he took the lead of the race as the safety car was called. The Spaniard maintained the gap ahead of the pack after the restart and kept his Elantra N TCR in front to cross the line first.
“To win a race at Pau is amazing, it’s my first time here and I think the track is awesome,” he said. “The car felt great during the whole of Race 2, and I was able to pull away from the pack behind. I’m very pleased with how we have started the year.”
His team-mate Norbert had secured the reverse-grid pole position in Saturday’s qualifying. He made a strong start off the line from reverse-grid pole, before a collision brought his race to a premature end. The Hungarian was defending his position into the first corner, but heavy contact forced him to retire.
“I have mixed feelings about this weekend: I’m happy for the team and for Mikel’s win, but unfortunately, I made a mistake in Race 2 which cost me a lot of points,” said Norbert. “We have a good base to build upon for the next event. You need to learn from mistakes that you make and I’m looking forward to the future events.”
Collecting important points
Both drivers had a consistent performance in Race 1, which saw them withstand pressure from behind to maintain their positions.
Starting from eighth on the grid, Mikel was involved in a close battle throughout the race but had little chance to overtake on the tight circuit. With his sixth place finish, combined with his victory, he now sits third in the drivers’ standings.
Norbert, who lined up in tenth, was able to capitalise on cars ahead pitting to move further up the order to finish in ninth. A difficult weekend sees him 15th in the overall standings.
Following their combined efforts, BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse lies second in teams’ battle. The series will moves to the Nürburgring Nordschleife for the second round later this month.
The next round of the WTCR season, Race of Germany, takes place over the weekend May 28-29.
