Points leader Mikel Azcona: “We took all the potential”

Mikel Azcona emerged as the points leader after the first FIA TCR World Tour race weekend of 2026 at Misano, claiming pole position and two podium finishes.

“It’s a been a great first weekend, as we took all the potential,” said Azcona.

The BRC Hyundai driver started ninth in the second race but was up to fifth before the end of the first lap.

“I didn’t expect to get so far up the field starting P9, but I made a mega-launch and passed four cars,” said Azcona.

The Spaniard then fought his way up to second place and gained on leading driver Ma Qing Hua. He dropped pace in the final part of the race, coming under pressure from Thed Björk but managed to secure second place.

“When I was up to second, I felt some vibration, so I decided to avoid the kerbs and not to be hard on the tyres, so I’m happy with the result,” said Azcona.

Azcona leads the drivers’ championship on 65 points, heading last year’s champion Yann Ehrlacher who leaves Italy with 48 points.

“To lead the championship feels mega, as it’s been a long time since I’ve been leading; 2022 was the last time,” said Azcona.

“With 40kg in Valencia, we will suffer a little bit, so we’ll try to think about the strategy in order to minimise the damage.”