Mikel Azcona claimed his first win of the 2024 Kumho FIA TCR World Tour with an outstanding wet-weather performance for BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse at the Zhuzhou International Circuit. Reigning champion Norbert Michelisz kept his lead in the Drivers’ standings after scoring points in both races with his Hyundai ELANTRA N TCR, setting him up for the season-deciding Macau Grand Prix next month.
Néstor Girolami, who started Race 2 from pole position, came close to victory but had to settle for second place, with Michelisz and Azcona finishing eighth and ninth, respectively.
After six events and 12 races, Michelisz holds a 10-point lead in the Drivers’ Championship. Girolami is out of title contention, but Azcona remains in the hunt, 27 points behind Michelisz. Azcona’s Race 1 victory came in challenging conditions, as the race began on a damp track and finished in heavy rain. Starting fourth on the grid, Azcona moved up to second before a safety car intervention. He later passed Thed Björk to secure the lead and maintained his pace in the difficult conditions to take the win. Michelisz and Girolami finished seventh and eighth.
Race 2 saw dry conditions, but the competition remained fierce. Girolami led from pole and held off challengers until the final lap, where he was overtaken, finishing second. Michelisz managed eighth place, with Azcona just behind in ninth.
The final race weekend at the Macau Grand Prix, November 14-17, will determine the winners of the 2024 Kumho FIA TCR World Tour Drivers’ and Teams’ titles.
Hyundai Motorsport Circuit Racing Project Manager Julien Moncet reflected on the weekend, noting both positive and challenging outcomes. He praised Azcona’s Race 1 victory as a “masterclass drive,” while acknowledging the team’s challenges in the Teams’ championship. Despite Girolami’s near miss in Race 2, Moncet commended his effort and the team’s overall performance.
Michelisz described Race 1 as tricky due to unpredictable rain and tire choices but was satisfied with the points scored, which kept him in the championship lead. He added that he now feels well-prepared for the upcoming Macau showdown.
Azcona expressed relief over his first win of the season after a challenging year, highlighting his pace in the wet conditions of Race 1. Girolami, though disappointed with his near-victory in Race 2, felt satisfied with his role in supporting Michelisz’s championship efforts.
Race 1 Results:
- M. Azcona, Hyundai ELANTRA N, 18 laps in 40:34.472
- E. Guerrieri, Honda Civic Type R FL5, +7.062s
- T. Björk, Lynk & Co 03, +8.441s
- N. Michelisz, Hyundai ELANTRA N, +18.821s
- N. Girolami, Hyundai ELANTRA N, +19.825s
Race 2 Results:
- M. Qing Hua, Lynk & Co 03, 18 laps in 35:40.167
- N. Girolami, Hyundai ELANTRA N, +0.378s
- N. Michelisz, Hyundai ELANTRA N, +12.230s
- M. Azcona, Hyundai ELANTRA N, +12.617s
2024 Kumho FIA TCR World Tour for Drivers (After Round 6):
- N. Michelisz – 274 points
- E. Guerrieri – 264 points
- T. Björk – 255 points
- M. Azcona – 247 points
2024 Kumho FIA TCR World Tour for Teams (After Round 6):
- Lynk & Co Cyan Racing – 630 points
- BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse – 575 points
