Photo: FIA WTCR

Norbert Michelisz: “Winning is the target for tomorrow”

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BRC Racing Team driver Norbert Michelisz qualified in second place for Sunday’s opening WTCR race in Jeddah.

The Hungarian now heads into race day targeting a victory, whilst also fighting with pole-sitter Nathanaël Berthon for third place in the championship.

“The quali wasn’t easy,” said the Hyundai driver. “We tried to have a very efficient tow strategy and the pressure was on for Mikel and for the team, so we wanted to do a good job.”

The BRC team focussed on securing the six points that Mikel Azcona needed to clinch the drivers’ title, with both Michelisz and Nicky Catsburg on a mission to two the Spaniard in the qualifying.

“So Q1 and Q2 we were helping each other and helping Mikel,” added Michelisz. “In Q3, the car was working quite good, I was confident to push, unfortunately not good enough for P1 but I believe that, with a good start tomorrow, we have a good chance to win, which will be, for sure, the target.”

Jeddah will host night races, which the Hungarian expect to be easier for the car and the tyres, as track temperatures in the daylight free practice sessions were very high: “To be honest, in the dark it’s always a bit easier because, with not so high temperatures, is easier on the car, easier for the tyres and it’s a bit easier to follow other cars.

Michelisz is recovering in the championship after a difficult start of the season and arrived in Jeddah with third spot in the drivers’ championship as a target.

His main rival is Berthon, 27 points ahead with 55 in play on Sunday.

“I expect us to be competitive tomorrow,” added the Hyundai driver. “We want to have fun, we want to be on the podium and we want to collect as many points as possible, so I really look forward to tomorrow.

“And maybe it’s not just about getting the points, but about finishing the season on a high, getting on the podium and, if the car is good enough, why not go for the win.

“But I’m sure Nathanaël will be on his A-game, I’m sure he won’t do many mistakes, but we will try as well to do our best, so we expect him to be fast, we expect him to be strong, but we are still two and have the chance to play it together.”