Norbert Michelisz targeting top six in the standings
The reigning Yokohama Independents’ Trophy champion, whom is not eligible for that title this year, had a difficult weekend plagued by problems on Saturday with the brand new car which was just delivered before the Monza race weekend.
“I did not have time to adapt to the car,” said Michelisz to TouringCarTimes. “I had one day of testing where we had some technical issues, so I could only run three or four thirty minute sessions, and my final car was only available this week, so we could only do a shakedown.
“During the race weekend we suffered from a lot of technical issues, I had to skip the first free practice because of problems with the engine and brakes, and also had some issues with the brakes in FP2.
“In qualifying I had to pit with brake issues and I decided it was not safe to drive with a brake pedal which was not consistant.”
“We had some hope for the races because of the weather forecast. I was doing a tactical race, when I was in the points I was focussed on keeping position and not to do any mistakes. The car felt OK and I had hopes for the second race to score some important points, but there was a failure with the cockpit fan and I just couldn’t see anything after two laps so I had to pit.”
Looking ahead to the remainder of the season, the Hungarian is optimistic of the potential of the Honda, despite the teething issues experienced at Monza.
“First of all we have to solve the technical issues…I want to have some feeling about the limits of the car before Marrakech, it’s almost starting from the beginning again at Marrakech.
“I think that Honda has some development, and I don’t think the difference in performance throughout the year between Chevrolet and the others (will remain). I think it’s realistic to say I want to have a position in the overall standings of sixth or better.
“I think the car even this weekend had the speed to score in the top five positions, and I expect the car to also be fast in Marrakech and the following races.”
