Norbert Michelisz expects the gap in the second FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) qualifying session at the Slovakia Ring to reduce, despite Hyundai’s dominance yesterday [14th July].
Michelisz, who started from the rear of the field after an exclusion from first qualifying for exceeding the maximum boost pressure, could only fight his way back to 23rd.
Team mate Gabriele Tarquini rounded out the podium for BRC Racing Team and in the process cut Yvan Muller’s championship lead to a mere 5 points.
“I think the car seems to be fine, also in the race we struggled a bit with under steer, let’s wait and see how the one lap performance is,” said Michelisz to TouringCars.net
“I don’t expect to have the same gap as yesterday, because of the circumstances.”
He also said the opening race turned into a de-facto test session as he attempted to learn about the balance of the i30 N rather than embroil himself in risky fights.
“The problem now is not so much driving the car, but experiencing another impact which, of course, to fight for some position is maybe not worth taking the risk.
“So after my start was not ideal, I said to myself it’s just about exploring how the balance is to get some information.”