Difficult weekend in Hungary | Hyundai N
Our customer teams endured a difficult weekend at the Race of Hungary, the fourth round of the 2020 WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup season.
All four i30 N TCR cars struggled in Saturday’s wet qualifying session. In the dry conditions of the races, our customers demonstrated strong pace once again, but the starting in the midfield hampered the overall result.
Home hero Norbi enjoyed a best finish of sixth place in Race 2, making his way through the field from 15th on the grid. The BRC Hyundai N LUKOIL Squadra Corse driver scored a further points finish with tenth place in Race 3.
“We had some exciting fights where I was able to push and put pressure on the cars in front, but it was mostly damage limitation from qualifying,” the Hungarian explained. “I’m pleased with the points, but of course we want more.”
His teammate Gabriele made similar gains in Race 3, crossing the line in seventh place. The Italian was forced to retire from Race 1 after being hit by a competitor, and another on-track incident in Race 2 sent him to the back of the field.
“When you start in the middle of the pack you can’t avoid incidents,” said Gabriele. “I was happy with the performance and the set-up of the car, it was fantastic. In the dry the Hyundai i30 N TCR showed very good pace in the races and I was able to gain some places in front of me.”
Mixed fortunes
FBRC Hyundai N Liqui Moly Racing Team driver Luca was the highest-placed WTCR Rookie in Race 1, in which he secured eighth place. The German driver was then caught in the first lap melee of Race 2, causing race-ending damage. His mechanics worked tirelessly to repair the car to enable Luca to compete in Race 3.
“I leave Hungary with mixed feelings,” he explained. “I was quite happy with the first race, the car felt really good and I was the fastest of the Hyundai i30 N TCRs. I have to say a big thanks to the team, it was amazing what they were able to do to get me on the grid for Race 3.”
Nico Gruber, who deputised for regular driver Nicky Catsburg, gave a reliable performance in his WTCR debut.
“I would like to thank Hyundai Motorsport and Engstler Motorsport for this opportunity and for giving me a great car,” said the Austrian. “In Race 2 my feeling in the car was much better and I was able to score some points.”
WTCR returns with Race of Spain on October 31 – November 1.