Hyundai Motorsport Secures Double 1-2 Finish at Zhejiang as Mikel Azcona Strengthens TCR World Tour Title Bid
Azcona and Michelisz Deliver Outstanding Results in China
Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing enjoyed a highly successful weekend at the Zhejiang Circuit in China, with Mikel Azcona and Norbert Michelisz combining to secure two impressive 1-2 finishes in the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour. Their performances strengthened the position of BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse ahead of the championship’s season finale in Macau next month, with the two Hyundai drivers heading into the decisive round first and second in the Drivers’ standings.
Azcona emerged as the standout performer at Zhejiang, securing victories in the rain-affected opening race on Saturday and the predominantly dry Race 3 on Sunday. The Spaniard’s fifth victory of the 2026 season reinforced his pursuit of the championship title and gave him a valuable points advantage over his closest rivals.
Michelisz also delivered a series of strong performances throughout the three-race weekend. Although the Hungarian driver started from pole position in both Race 1 and Race 3, he was unable to convert either opportunity into a victory. Nevertheless, his ability to recover positions, defend effectively, and consistently finish near the front proved crucial to the team’s success.
The weekend concluded with BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse celebrating a second 1-2 finish, completing a memorable Chinese double-header for the Hyundai team. The results demonstrated the competitiveness of the Hyundai Elantra N TCR and the drivers’ ability to perform across changing track and weather conditions.
Azcona Wins Rain-Affected Opening Race
The opening race at Zhejiang took place in wet conditions, creating a demanding challenge for drivers as they navigated the circuit with reduced grip and changing track conditions. Azcona adapted successfully to the circumstances, delivering a controlled performance to take the victory ahead of his team-mate Michelisz.
Michelisz began the race from pole position but ultimately finished second after fighting his way back from fifth place. His recovery demonstrated his ability to manage the difficult conditions while maintaining a competitive pace throughout the race.
The result provided Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing with an important 1-2 finish and established a strong foundation for the remainder of the weekend. It also highlighted the contrasting strengths of the two drivers, with Azcona maintaining his winning momentum and Michelisz demonstrating resilience after losing positions.
Azcona’s performance was particularly notable because he carried 20 kilograms of Compensation Weight at Zhejiang. Such additional weight can influence a touring car’s acceleration, braking, and handling characteristics, making race wins more challenging to secure. Despite this disadvantage, the Spaniard remained competitive and converted his pace into another important championship result.
Michelisz, meanwhile, competed without additional Compensation Weight, giving him a different starting point in terms of vehicle balance and performance. However, his recovery to second place in the opening race still required an effective response to the wet conditions and the competition around him.
Michelisz Produces Another Wet-Weather Comeback in Race 2
The second race of the Zhejiang round provided another opportunity for Michelisz to demonstrate his wet-weather driving ability. Starting ninth on the grid, the Hungarian worked his way through the field to finish second in his Hyundai Elantra N TCR.
His performance represented one of the weekend’s most impressive recovery drives. Moving from ninth to second required Michelisz to overtake several competitors while managing the conditions and maintaining the consistency needed to challenge for a podium finish.
The result added valuable championship points and reinforced his position as a major contender heading into the final round of the season. It also demonstrated the importance of consistency across the three-race format, where strong finishes can make a significant difference to the overall Drivers’ standings.
Michelisz’s second-place finish in Race 2 complemented his runner-up result in the opening race. Together, the two results provided a strong points return despite his inability to win either race.
His performances also contributed to the qualifying and grid-position calculations for the final race. Points earned for securing his first pole position of the season and finishing second in both Race 1 and Race 2 helped him secure pole position for Race 3.
That opportunity placed Michelisz in a strong position to challenge for another victory on Sunday, although the final race would ultimately deliver a different outcome.
Azcona Secures Fifth Victory of the Season in Race 3
Azcona continued his strong form in the third race, held in mainly dry conditions. The Spaniard delivered another competitive performance to claim his fifth victory of the 2026 Kumho FIA TCR World Tour season.
Michelisz started from pole position but finished second, completing another 1-2 result for BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse. While the Hungarian was unable to secure the race win, his contribution was important to the team’s overall performance and his own championship campaign.
Michelisz moved up from third to second in the Drivers’ standings through the points earned during the Zhejiang weekend. His defensive driving in Race 3 was particularly significant, as he worked to protect his team-mate from attacks by drivers behind them.
Rather than focusing solely on his own opportunity to win, Michelisz managed the race in a way that helped preserve the team’s leading positions. His ability to defend while maintaining competitive pace contributed to the second 1-2 finish of the weekend.
For Azcona, the victory further strengthened his championship position. Winning in both wet and predominantly dry conditions demonstrated his adaptability and ability to deliver results across different racing circumstances.
The five victories accumulated during the season have given the Spaniard a substantial advantage heading into the Macau finale. However, with points still available at the final round, the championship outcome remains dependent on the performances delivered there.
Championship Battle Heads to Macau
The Zhejiang results have established an important championship picture ahead of the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour season showdown in Macau next month.
Azcona leads the Drivers’ standings with a 33-point advantage over Michelisz. Santiago Urrutia remains another key competitor, sitting 39 points behind Azcona.
The points gaps give Azcona a strong position entering the final round, but the Macau races will determine the ultimate championship outcome. The drivers will need to balance the pursuit of victories with the importance of consistent finishes as they compete for the remaining points.
Michelisz’s Zhejiang performance has kept him firmly in the title conversation. His two second-place finishes in the opening races, followed by another runner-up result in Race 3, helped him strengthen his standing despite missing out on a victory.
Urrutia, meanwhile, remains within reach of the leading positions and will look to capitalize on any opportunities that emerge during the finale.
The final round in Macau is expected to be a decisive test for the leading competitors. With the championship positions closely watched, every qualifying result, overtaking opportunity, and finishing position could influence the final standings.
For Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing, the Zhejiang weekend provides significant momentum heading into the season’s concluding event. The team’s ability to secure two 1-2 finishes under different conditions highlights its competitiveness and the strength of its driver lineup.
Lo Sze Ho Claims Guest Star Trophy Honours
Away from the main championship battle, Hong Kong driver Lo Sze Ho delivered a strong performance in the Guest Star Trophy category.
Driving a Hyundai Elantra N TCR for Evolve Racing, Lo secured Guest Star Trophy honours in all three races at Zhejiang. His consistent results made him another notable performer during the Chinese round.
Winning the category across all three races demonstrated Lo’s ability to maintain competitive performance throughout the weekend. His results also added to Hyundai’s overall success at the event, with the Hyundai Elantra N TCR featuring prominently across the different racing contests.
Lo’s achievement provided a positive conclusion to the Zhejiang round for Evolve Racing and underlined the participation of guest competitors alongside the championship’s regular drivers.
Hyundai Motorsport Builds Momentum for the Season Finale
The Zhejiang round delivered an important boost for Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing as the 2026 Kumho FIA TCR World Tour approaches its final stage.
Azcona’s two victories, Michelisz’s consistent podium finishes, and the team’s pair of 1-2 results strengthened the championship position of BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse. Meanwhile, Lo Sze Ho’s clean sweep of Guest Star Trophy honours added another highlight to the weekend.
Azcona now heads to Macau with a 33-point advantage over Michelisz and a 39-point lead over Urrutia. His fifth victory of the season places him in a strong position, while Michelisz’s performances have ensured that the championship battle remains a key focus heading into the finale.
With the final round scheduled for next month, attention will turn to Macau, where the season’s remaining points will determine the Drivers’ champion. Following its successful weekend in China, Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing will aim to carry its momentum into the decisive races and conclude the 2026 campaign with a championship victory.
