Granta Cup champion Nikita Misiulia joins Moscow grid

Granta Cup champion Nikita Misiulia is going to drive a SEAT in this weekend’s FIA World Touring Car Championship races in Moscow.

The Russian got the drive as a prize of winning the Lada Granta Cup last year.
”When I got the opportunity to drive the Granta Cup, at that moment I told myself: This is my chance. Maybe once in a lifetime. Now or never,” said Misiulia. 

Misiulia’s father raised the budget for one year only in the Lada Granta Cup, where the WTCC race was the prize drive on offer.

“(My father told me) this is one year project and your can forget about racing after 2013 season. There is a chance to race some Russian circuit series. Me and our close family friend Alexey Dolmatov will share the costs. I was so happy! Couldn’t believe that it was true and didnt sleep the whole night after it.”

Misiulia is going to drive a TC2 specification SEAT León for Campos Racing at Moscow Raceway and hopes to make an impression.
”Here is the plan: Show your best there. Somebody will notice you and you become a professional race driver,” said Misiuila.

The Russian’s previous experiences comes from outside of motorsport, having competed in bike trials, but is planning to take part in the European Rallycross Championship this year.