Norbert Michelisz: “It needed 24 qualifying laps!”

Norbert Michelisz insisted that his victory in race two at Suzuka had been far from straightforward after the Hyundai driver moved back into the World Touring Car Cup points lead.

The Hungarian racer led from start-to-finish despite intense pressure from Rob Huff’s Volkswagen to reclaim the points lead, having dropped behind Esteban Guerrieri following Saturday’s opening race in Japan.

It means Michelisz has now taken a victory at each of the last four rounds, and ensures he will go into race three six points clear at the top.

“The race was really difficult and I tried to get a gap at the start,” he said. “I could see Rob falling back but he is one of the best and had a clever approach to save tyres and then attack towards the end of the race.

“He came back strong and it was like driving 24 qualifying laps as I was on the limit and had to go flat out for the championship. I’m pleased with my performance and to win after a difficult qualifying is important.

“From P10 on the grid for race three, we have to focus on the points and grab what we can.”

Michelisz’s performance out front prevented Huff from securing his first victory of the campaign, although second still meant the Briton took to the podium for the first time in 2019.

“It was a good race,” he said. “I took it a bit easy early on as I knew Ceccon was going to put Tarquini under pressure behind me as the race went on and I saved the tyres. I tried to push towards the end but I didn’t want to get involved in the championship battle and settled for some champagne and a trophy.”