Attila Tassi has described his win in the opening TCR International Series race at the Hungaroring as ‘the best feeling of my career’ after he beat team-mate and team boss Norbert Michelisz to the victory.
The young Hungarian beat his more experienced team-mate to take the lead at the very start of the race, getting a better getaway to lead before Turn 1.
With Tassi in the battle for the overall drivers’ championship, Michelisz then settled into second to defend his team-mate’s lead, allowing Tassi to take a first-ever TCR win.
“I am really happy – to win my first TCR International race here at home, in front of my home crowd, is just a dream come true,” said the M1RA driver. “It is the best feeling I had so far in my career.
“I made a good start, and clearly, Norbi protected my… shoulders, I only had to focus on the corners and preserving the tyres, without having to look into the mirrors.
“In the last couple of laps, I started having some brake and understeer problems, but kept everything under control.”
Tassi has moved up to third in the standings as a result of his win, being just nine points behind team-mate Roberto Colciago after the race.
As a result Michelisz, who is also owner of the M1RA team, said that the race went according to plan as it secured a third 1-2 finish in the championship.
“It all went according to the plan, but I must stress that Attila really won this race on his own merit, taking a perfect start,” said Michelisz. “He completely deserved this first win, and he has done tremendous progress this year.
“I know exactly how he must feel at this very moment, and I also feel emotional about it, it’s like winning myself.”
Race two takes place at 13:00 CEST (12:00 BST).