Hyundai Motorsport has shown off the new livery which will adorn its trio of Hyundai Elantra N TCR cars in this year’s FIA TCR World Tour.
The car, with improved aerodynamics, will be raced by reigning champion Norbert Michelisz, Mikel Azcona and team newcomer Néstor Girolami.
All three cars will be run by Italy-based BRC Racing under the ‘BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse’ banner.
The team has enlarged, partly in response to other teams (Cyan Racing) running four cars in the series.
Michelisz was nonetheless able to claim his second World Touring Car title with the team that he joined in 2018.
Azcona also has an FIA World Touring Car title to his name, having won the 2022 WTCR with BRC and Hyundai.
The team will continue to be led by Gabriele Rizzo as Team Principal, with Gabriele Tarquini continuing as the Team Manager.
“Maximum relevance to Hyundai’s range of road cars has always been an important part of all the cars designed and built by Hyundai Motorsport” explained Hyundai Motor Company’s Vice President of Hyundai N Management & Motorsport Sub-Division Till Wartenberg.
“It was [therefore] natural that the new look of the road-going Elantra should be reflected in the appearance of the Elantra N TCR for the 2024 Kumho FIA TCR World Tour.
“There has always been a close connection between our motorsport projects and Hyundai N – from the first N cars to now with the Elantra N and the all-electric IONIQ 5 N.
“This link is further strengthened this season by the prominent N included in the livery that BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse will use this season.
“I’m looking forward to another successful season in Kumho FIA TCR World Tour this year, as we aim to continue Hyundai’s excellent record in the category.”
Hyundai Motorsport President and Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul says there is pressure to maintain winning ways, after the team has now won four World Touring Car titles, in 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023.
“Our Customer Racing project and success in the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour is very important to Hyundai Motorsport,” added Abiteboul.
“TCR is our only circuit racing project, and a vital way we can support the Hyundai N road cars with our activities in Alzenau.
“Through success in WTCR, TCR World Tour and other series around the world our Customer Racing department has built an excellent reputation.
“This brings with it extra pressure to maintain our position at the top of the category. For the 2024 Kumho FIA TCR World Tour season, adding a third car was a critical step in our ambitions to do exactly that.
“With Néstor onboard alongside Norbi and Mikel who we know can each challenge for the title, we certainly have the customer line-up to add to our successful record.”
Hyundai Motorsport Circuit Racing Project Leader Julien Moncet says the addition of Girolami in an expanded team is part of the drive to remain at the top of international touring car racing.
“Last year was another very successful season for Hyundai Motorsport and BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse in TCR World Tour,” said Moncet.
“Norbert Michelisz won more races than any other driver and ended with the drivers’ championship in Macau.
“However, we always need to push to stay at the top. The decision to add Néstor Girolami in a third Hyundai Elantra N TCR alongside Norbi and Mikel is a massive step in our efforts to do this, to challenge for the teams’ title as well as the drivers’ crown.
“Girolami is a very experienced driver in TCR and exactly the right person to help the team compete on both fronts this year.
“Whilst the underpinnings of the Elantra N TCR remain as before, the car gets a striking new look which is also beneficial in terms of aerodynamic performance.
“We know we can expect our rivals to have made their own progress during the winter, and that the changes in calendar and regulations will give us obstacles to overcome, but also opportunities to gain an all-important advantage.”
The 2024 FIA TCR World Tour begins in Vallelunga on 20 – 21 April.