BRC Racing Team’s Norbert Michelisz is looking forward to a ‘second home race’ as the FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) heads to the Slovakia Ring.
The popular Hungarian racer heads to the 3.6 mile circuit placed sixth overall in the standings, 47 points adrift of current championship leader Yvan Muller with a maximum score of 87 available across the weekend’s triple-header.
With three podiums to his name in 2018 behind the wheel of the Hyundai i30 N TCR, the focus for ‘Norbi’ is now on notching his first victory of the season – and in the category.
Speaking ahead of the weekend, Michelisz is looking forward to receiving support from his home crowd in nearby Hungary, and also hopes the Slovakian crowd will get behind Portugal race-winner and local driver Mat’o Homola.
“It’s a bit like a second home race to be honest and it’s nice to be back,” said Michelisz.
“I remember we were racing here in 2012 for the first time and from the first moment this was a place where Hungarians love to come to and I expect the same this year.
“I really help also Mato will have a lot of support because I also know how difficult it is for a young, really good drive like him to perform when the expectations are high. Of course I will try to do my best but I will also have my fingers crossed for him.”
Reflecting on the first half of the season as a whole, Michelisz was in pragmatic mood as he looks to give his title bid a boost.
“Overall I think it was positive. If you look at how close the championship is, it’s something really exciting as a driver,” he added.
“Of course there are some good moments, some bad moments but in the end the important thing is to have all the possibilities for the second half of the season to fight for the first position overall.
“As long as I have this feeling of having the chance to become champion at the end of the season I think I can summarise it as a positive first half.”
The action starts with the opening free practice session, scheduled for 11:40 BST today [13th July].