Norbert Michelisz secured back-to-back touring car championships, clinching the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour Drivers’ title aboard his Hyundai ELANTRA N TCR in Macau.
Racing for BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse, Michelisz entered the season finale at the iconic Circuito da Guia street circuit with a 10-point lead. He finished second in Saturday’s Race 1, setting the stage for the decisive second race. Starting with a five-point advantage, Michelisz navigated a damp but drying track with caution after a long rain delay. He led a Hyundai ELANTRA N TCR formation finish in fifth place, ahead of his teammates Mikel Azcona and Néstor Girolami.
Michelisz’s main rival, Thed Björk, finished eighth in Race 2, allowing Michelisz to secure the championship with a total of 323 points. This marks his second FIA world title, following his 2019 victory in the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup. BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse has now won five drivers’ championships in the past seven years, including three consecutive titles with Michelisz’s back-to-back wins, after Azcona’s WTCR titles.
Azcona and Girolami also had strong performances in the final standings, finishing third and sixth, respectively. Azcona, who won a race at Zhuzhou International Circuit earlier this season, defended Michelisz’s lead in Race 1, helping secure his teammate’s position for the championship. Azcona later posted the fastest lap in Race 1 at Macau but focused on supporting Michelisz in Race 2, finishing sixth. Girolami, a consistent points scorer in 2024, finished seventh in Race 2, completing the team’s perfect formation.
In another Hyundai triumph, Martin Cao won the TCR China title in his Hyundai ELANTRA N TCR, rounding out a successful season for the manufacturer. Michelisz’s consistency throughout the year, including victories at Vallelunga, Interlagos, and a third place in Marrakech, helped him maintain the points lead throughout the season.
Julien Moncet, Hyundai Motorsport Circuit Racing Project Manager, praised Michelisz and the BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse team, saying, “Norbi’s dedication and commitment have been rewarded. Despite strong competition, we worked as a team to keep ahead, and while we secured the Drivers’ title, the Teams’ title will be a key focus for 2025.”
- Norbert Michelisz (#105, HUN): Finished second in Race 1, then cautiously secured fifth in Race 2 to clinch the title, acknowledging the support of his team and teammates.
- Mikel Azcona (#196, ESP): Finished third in Race 1, then supported Michelisz in Race 2 to help him secure the championship, finishing sixth and claiming third overall.
- Néstor Girolami (#129, ARG): Finished fifth in Race 1 and seventh in Race 2, following team orders to help Michelisz win the title while also supporting Azcona’s third-place finish in the standings.
Michelisz reflected on his victory, saying, I’m incredibly grateful to be in this position, to race and live my passion. Life is about constant cycles of success, stress, and adrenaline, and I’m lucky to experience these special moments.
