Hyundai Motorsport Preview: FIA ETCR Round 4 – Race BE - Hyundai Motorsport N is ready to brave the Circuit Zolder next weekend at the fourth round of the 2022 FIA ETCR – eTouring Car World Cup season, Race BE (July 8-10)
- The team is on a mission to climb the standings having demonstrated improved performance and results at the previous round, Race SP
- Mikel Azcona, Norbert Michelisz, Jean-Karl Vernay and Nicky Catsburg will be fighting for the King of the Weekend crown in the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR.
Hyundai Motorsport N heads to Belgium for the fourth round of the tightly-contested FIA ETCR – eTouring Car World Cup season, Race BE, ready to make gains in the title standings. Mikel Azcona remains third in the drivers’ classification while the team was the second highest-scoring manufacturer at the previous event, Race SP. There was demonstrable on-track improvements with the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR at the Circuito del Jarama. Azcona set the third fastest lap in Qualifying and went on to secure a front-row start for the Super Final. He briefly challenged for the lead of the race but had to concede position, finishing third. Norbert Michelisz had his strongest weekend of the season so far at the Spanish circuit. His victory in the Quarter Final enabled him to compete in the higher-scoring Semi Final and secure a top-three start on the Super Final grid. Nicky Catsburg claimed a victory on his debut in the series in his Semi Final, while Jean-Karl Vernay grew more comfortable with the car in every session and finished in fourth place in the Pool Fast Super Final. As all four drivers have previously competed at the 4.010km Circuit Zolder, the team is looking to leverage this to claim its first King of the Weekend title of the season. The track offers a complex mix of high and slow-speed corners, high kerbs, and heavy braking zones, meaning previous experience will be invaluable across the weekend. After being drawn into either Pool Fast or Pool Furious, the drivers will have a Free Practice session on Friday to familiarise themselves with the track. Saturday will feature Qualifying and the Quarter Finals for each group. The Semi Finals on Sunday morning determine the starting grid for each Pool’s Super Final later that day. Race BE will also see two of Hyundai Motorsport’s challengers unite for a special demonstration on Saturday 9 July. WRC driver Thierry Neuville will swap cars with Michelisz, with the Belgian taking to the cockpit of the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR and the Hungarian experiencing the hybrid Hyundai i20 N Rally1 for the first time. Hyundai Motorsport Director of Marketing and PR, Stefan Ph. Henrich said: “We are really starting to find a good rhythm in FIA ETCR, and our target is to continue this momentum at the Race BE. The Circuit Zolder is no stranger to our drivers, which means we should be able to hit the ground running from the very start. Since our visit to Race SP, we have spent time identifying ways we can make further gains on-track to be in contention for King and Manufacturer of the Weekend. The competition is very strong but we are confident that we can have a successful weekend with the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR and our knowledge of this technical circuit.” Mikel Azcona said: “I can’t wait to race at Circuit Zolder. I previously raced there two years ago in FIA WTCR. It’s a very technical and complicated track, it’s all about hard braking, so we need to focus on this area as it is one that can allow us to make gains in the races. We’ve already made some steps forward from the start of the season. I’m very confident on this circuit already and I am sure we can be successful at Race BE. I need to try and maintain third place in the standings – that’s my goal for the weekend – and to do that, we need to be challenging at the front.” Norbert Michelisz said: “I’m really looking forward to the next round of FIA ETCR. We had a good weekend at the Race SP, and now I feel really prepared and confident for Belgium. I know the Circuit Zolder well, which is always helpful in this series as we only have one Free Practice session before the important part of the weekend begins, but it is a tough circuit to master. I hope that I can keep the momentum from the previous round going and fight for similarly good results. I’m also really looking forward to the Car Swap, it will be a new experience but one I’ve been looking forward to since I first started working with Hyundai.” Jean-Karl Vernay said: “Our next stop in FIA ETCR is a track I know quite well. I’ve raced at Circuit Zolder twice in the past and secured some great results. I have really nice memories and hopefully I will add to those at the Race BE. The target is to have a weekend free of any issues and challenge for the top positions. I’m charged up to come back fighting from Jarama and start on the best foot. We know how important it is to have a good Qualifying, as it can determine the rest of the weekend in FIA ETCR. I have some big expectations for this event, and I want to be in contention for the King of the Weekend.” Nicky Catsburg said: “Race BE almost feels like a home event for me, as I’ve raced there quite a lot and it is not far from where I live. In general, this weekend should be easier for me because I have one event under my belt now, so it will take less time to adjust and find a rhythm with the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR. My learning curve is by no means over, but I’m feeling more and more comfortable in the car with every lap. I’m looking forward to the event and will attempt to put myself at the front from the start. I will have some friends and family there to support me, so I can’t wait to battle in front of them.” |
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