Attila Tassi: “It’s the best feeling I’ve ever had” on home victory
Attila Tassi took his first victory in the TCR International Series in front of a home crowd early on Sunday morning at the Hungaroring, and has launched to third in the standings, passing two-time champion Stefano Comini, with team boss Norbert Michelisz declaring him a firm title contender.
Tassi made a great start from the second row to blast into the lead at Turn 1 ahead of both the Team WRT Volkswagen of Jean-Karl Vernay and his M1RA Honda team-mate Norbert Michelisz, where he controlled the race throughout, despite a lock-up at the first corner on the following lap.
“It’s a dream come true to score my first win in the International Series, and in front of my home crowd,” said Tassi. “It’s the best feeling that ever happened to me in my career.
“I have to say a big thank you to Norbi, as he was saving my ass. I had a really good start and was able to overtake him, and after that I knew he’d defend me so I was only concentrating on the corners which were coming. At the end of the race I had a few brake problems and understeer, but it still turned out well.”
Norbert Michelisz refused to take the credit for Tassi’s win, saying the 18-year-old’s victory was all his own success.
“There was not much I could do about Tassi’s start, so after that I was just looking for a good team result,” said Michelisz.
“I have to say thanks to Jean-Karl (Vernay), because at some points he was faster than me, but we didn’t touch, he was really fair,“ he added.
“Attila deserved this win, he’s improved hugely since last year, and he’s deserved it for some races now. I know it’s a memory you’ll have for a lifetime, and I think this will give him the confidence boost for the next couple of races, so I know that he’ll be in contention for the title.”
