Mikel Azcona says winter testing in Misano was key to pole position

Mikel Azcona gave BRC Hyundai a dream start to the 2026 FIA TCR World Tour season by claiming pole position at Misano and says the key to it was two days of winter testing at the Italian circuit.

“I’m so happy to start the season on a high, not only for me but for the team with ‘Norbi’ in P2 and the reversed grid pole for Gabriele,” said Azcona.

“To be here for winter testing, being able to be here for two days was helping quite a lot, so we were quite competitive.”

Azcona will have team-mate Norbert Michelisz alongside him on the front row for the first race, the Hungarian driver was just 34 thousands of a second slower, and Gabriele Covini will start the second race from the reversed grid pole after finishing tenth in Q2.

“Obviously having ‘Norbi’ behind is always easier, we will do the best for the team,” said Azcona.

“But nevertheless, you have to do a good start. But I’m pretty comfortable with the start, so I think after the first corner if everything goes well, it should be fine.”

Reigning champion Yann Ehrlacher is the closest competitor to the Hyundai pair in third place, with his Geely Cyan Racing team-mates Santiago Urrutia and Thed Björk following in fourth and fifth.