Norbert Michelisz believes victory is in reach for Zengõ Honda

Zengõ Motorsport’s Norbert Michelisz believes victory is still in reach for the privateer Honda team this year after a promising weekend at Termas de Río Hondo, where he was once again the fastest Honda driver in qualifying.

The Hungarian, who turns 29 today, was the fastest non-Chevrolet driver in qualifying, taking third on the grid in the new Civic, and was in the midst of a number of battles during both of the races at the Argentinian circuit which saw him come away with seventh and fifth place finishes, which allowed him to move ahead of BMW driver Tom Coronel in the drivers’ standings.

Michelisz was running as high as second in the early stages of the first race, but after falling behind the two Chevrolets of Pepe Oriola and Tom Chilton, contact with James Nash’s bamboo-engineering Chevrolet at the start of lap six saw him drop down the order where he was able to grab seventh place at the flag.

Another busy race two, and the Hungarian was able to finish as the second highest placed Honda in fifth, fighting off a tough charge from a recovering Tiago Monteiro in the works Honda Civic in the final laps to cross the line in fifth.

“Both races were quite busy, but I’m satisfied because we collected something over 20 points, which is always good for the championship,” said Michelisz to TouringCarTimes.

“I’m satisfied on one hand but disappointed on the other as in the first race I think with a little bit of luck we could have had a podium finish, but you cannot get what you want all the time, we have four weekends left and for sure we have a car that’s capable of finishing even on top.

“I think over a race distance, the Honda was maybe in the second part of the race on a similar pace in the Chevys, but we struggled a lot on the high speed parts and it was really difficult to defend as sometimes I had 3-4 Chevrolets around me, but we had a very good balance throughout the race and I’m really satisfied as the feeling is always getting better and better after each race, you don’t always see it in the results. I think we will have the chance to fight for a race victory.”

Reflecting on his first race incident with James Nash, which saw Michelisz’s car take a heavy impact to the right hand side after contact at Turn 1, the affable Hungarian was quick to dismiss any hard feelings.

“These things happen, sometimes I too miss breaking points. James (Nash) came and apologised and for me it’s done, I have a good relationship with him and I know that he’s not a dirty driver so for sure it was not on purpose.”