Victory in Bathurst | Hyundai N
Our Customer Racing team BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse has claimed its fourth victory of the season at the eighth round of the Kumho TCR World Tour this weekend (10-12 November), after Norbert crossed the line first in Race 2.
“Congratulations to BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse for claiming a fourth win of the season,” commented Andrea, our Customer Racing Manager. “It is an incredibly tough circuit, and the victory has helped keep Norbert in the fight for the drivers’ title.”
Norbert started Race 2 on pole but dropped to third on the opening corners. With important points on offer for the driver standings, he had nothing to lose and fought back to make up two positions by lap four. After taking the lead he managed his Elantra N TCR to secure his third win of the season.
The Hungarian didn’t have the best start to the weekend after qualifying 11th behind his main title rivals. After dropping to 12th at the start of Race 1, Norbert was determined to fight for more and made his way into tenth over the 11 laps which guaranteed him the top starting position for Sunday’s Race 2.
Race 3 was a chance to score as many points as possible, but Norbert did not have the best start and lost a position to seventh. However, he was lucky to avoid any drama from the cars around him and made up two positions to fifth, which he retained after the race finished under safety car conditions.
“I am very proud of how this weekend has turned out,” smiled Norbert. “Winning Race 2 after a not so good start and collecting a lot of points in the other races is a nice feeling.”
A weekend to forget
Team-mate Mikel had a better qualifying, even though he was carrying the maximum compensation weight, securing fifth. He started Race 1 in third after cars ahead had grid penalties, but slipped to fourth as the lights went out. Disaster struck on lap six when his Elantra N TCR picked up a puncture. He attempted to limp back to the pits but was unable to and pulled over at the side of the circuit.
The Spaniard wanted redemption in Race 2, where he started 22nd. He gained six positions in the opening lap, but he did not stop there. He made some fantastic overtakes and by lap three was in 12th. At the chequered flag he has gained another two positions to finish tenth.
Race 3 was a similar story, Mikel lined up in 19th, and by the end of lap one he had made it up to 15th. His determination to move through the pack was evident as he reached tenth position. However, on the penultimate lap he made contact with the wall with a steering issue under safety car conditions and had to retire immediately.
“This weekend has been difficult,” said a dejected Mikel. “I’ve been in good positions to earn a lot of points this weekend even with the maximum compensation weight, but luck was not on my side.”
Even after scoring a good haul of points, Norbert drops to third in the Kumho TCR World Tour for Drivers, trailing by one point, while Mikel remains fourth. BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse will head to Macau ready to battle to secure second in the Kumho TCR World Tour for Teams after dropping to third.