Honda drivers rate each other as chief rivals for 2017 title

Honda go into the 2017 World Touring Car Championship season as favourites for the title following the withdrawal of Citroën, but neither Norbert Michelisz or Tiago Monteiro rule out the threat from Volvo in their second season, or their former team-mate Rob Huff in a privateer C-Elysée.

Honda have altered their line-up for the season, with Huff departing the team, and Ryo Michigami taking his place. While the Japanese driver will be learning the ropes in his first full season in the championship, Monteiro and Michelisz are expected to raise their game from fighting for third in the championship, to fighting for first this year.

Monteiro came out on top in that battle in 2016, with a daring late-race pass on Citroën’s Yvan Muller sealing the spot for the Portuguese driver. Monteiro’s aspiration is to win the 2017 championship, but knows his biggest threat is likely to be in the garage next door.

“Of course Norbi will be probably my main competitor in the same team, same car and he can fight for the world championship. But I have no doubt Rob (Huff) in the Citroën will be a very strong competitor. Even if it’s not a works team the car is still faster than us at the moment,” said Monteiro.

“He has the material upper hand, no doubt about it. I don’t discount Volvo because they have been really coming back strong. They’ve worked hard and I know they’re signing some good drivers. They are reinforcing the whole team. I cannot say how they have been testing, but I am sure they will be a strong competitor. Right now, I will say Rob and Norbi will be my main competitors, but let’s not forget Volvo.”

Michelisz believes the competition will be even tighter this year than it has been in recent seasons, with Citroën Racing returning to the World Rally Championship, leaving a handful of privateer C-Elysées to battle against the factory efforts of Honda and Volvo.

“For me, (my closest rival will be) Tiago,” said Michelisz. “He showed last season that he’s a fantastic driver. He’s improved a lot in terms of driving from 2015-16. Then most probably it will be Rob and all the Volvo drivers. It’s difficult to tell you only one name because I strongly believe there can be six to
eight drivers fighting for the championship to the end.”

The 32-year-old Hungarian will be entering his second season as a Honda works driver, and expects to carry the momentum from the end of last year into 2017, which starts in Morocco.

“I expect from the first moment to put in 100 per cent,” added Michelisz. “Last year, especially at thebeginning of the season, I was a bit affected by the new environment because it was a huge responsibility for me to work with Honda as a factory driver.

“Nice and difficult times have to be experienced to form a strong package. I really enjoy working with the people, not only because they are kind but because we understand each other 100 per cent.”