i30 N TCR wins on TCR Asia debut in Malaysia
i30 N TCR drivers took away a handsome collection of podiums and points from the car’s debut in the TCR Asia series at the Sepang International Circuit (April 5-7) in Malaysia. Team Engstler stablemates Luca Engstler and Théo Coicaud dominated Saturday’s running. The duo secured 1-2 results in both qualifying – which ended with an all-Hyundai top three completed by Pepe Oriola – and Race 1.
Engstler was never headed throughout the event, the fastest lap completing a perfect day for the German. Coicaud, though, had to recover from a poor start that left him only fifth at the end of the opening tour. However, he was able to drive up the order to reclaim his second place. Oriola finished fourth, and TCR debutant Daniel Miranda completed the top six in his Eurasia Motorsport car.
TCR debutant Miranda moved into the early lead of Race 2 after starting second on the reverse grid. The Filipino driver held on to take second place. Oriola, too scored a first i30 N TCR podium in his Solite Indigo Racing entry, climbing up the order after starting only eighth. Coicaud performed a similar feat, turning ninth on the grid into fourth at the chequered flag, lifting the Frenchman to second in the points’ standings to lead the Hyundai customers after the opening weekend.
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