Mikel Azcona happy with Race 3 podium after Race 1 heartbreak

Mikel Azcona finished third in the final FIA TCR World Tour race in Valencia as somewhat of a revenge after the puncture in Race 1 which saw him retire from the lead.

“I feel very happy to finish on the podium. It’s what was needed for me after a very unlucky puncture in the first race while I was leading,” said Azcona.

The Spaniard started the final race from sixth on the grid but was soon up to fourth place behind BRC Hyundai team-mate Norbert Michelisz.

Azcona then found himself under pressure from Cupra rival Aurélien Comte.

“At the start I overtook both Cupra cars at the first corner, but then at a certain point in the middle of the race Comte was pushing quite hard,” said Azcona.

“He was attacking for a few laps but then I think he killed his front tyres, and then I was able to pull a gap.”

Team-mate Michelisz then let Azcona past for third during the final lap as thanks for reversed roles in Race 2.

“Thanks to Norbi at the end for letting me go past him, I’m very happy to with this team where we work as a team very well,” said Azcona.

The Spaniard headed the standings ahead of Valencia but leaves the Spanish race weekend in third place, 29 points from Santiago Urrutia.