WHY 2 2 = 53… PHENOMENAL DRIVER LINE-UP FOR HYUNDAI
CUSTOMER RACING TEAMS IN 2019 WTCR
*Tarquini to
defend prestigious FIA crown in Hyundai i30 N TCR*
*Catsburg and
Farfus bring World Touring Car race-winning pedigree
*Michelisz
continues to count on Hyundai power in WTCR season two
The four drivers representing Hyundai Motorsport in FIA WTCR OSCARO
season two have a combined total of 53 wins in World Touring Car racing
between them as the Korean make’s customer racing division looks to
build on a hugely successful 2018 with another all-star quartet.
Gabriele
Tarquini will defend his WTCR – FIA World Touring Car
Cup presented by OSCARO title* in a Hyundai i30 N TCR with new recruits
Nicky Catsburg
and Augusto
Farfus, plus existing Hyundai-powered racer Norbert Michelisz,
all aiming to and all highly capable of dislodging Italian ace Tarquini
from his throne.
As in 2018 – when Thed Björk and Yvan Muller raced for YMR, while
Michelisz and Tarquini were partnered at BRC Racing Team – there will
be two two-car Hyundai customer efforts in WTCR OSCARO with the names
and exact make-up of the squads to be announced. However, in Catsburg
and Farfus, Hyundai Motorsport can count on two more top talents
chasing success aboard its i30 N TCR, with preparations for the new
season stepping up a gear in Portugal next month during a three-day
test at Portimão’s Algarve International Circuit.
François Ribeiro, Head of Eurosport Events, the FIA WTCR OSCARO
promoter, outlined why he believes the Hyundai-powered quartet of
Catsburg, Farfus, Michelisz and Tarquini will further increase the
extremely high level of on-track competition.
“The Hyundai customer team driver line-up is the first of a series of
announcements which will reflect a rise in the FIA WTCR OSCARO 2019
sporting level. It’s very good news to see two high-level international
touring car drivers in Nicky and Augusto back on the grid. Both are
used to highly competitive environments and will be motivated to chase
their first FIA World Touring Car title. No doubt Augusto, Nicky,
Gabriele and Norbi will bring an incredible mix of experience and
talent to the two Hyundai customer teams.”
They said what?
Hyundai-powered drivers on WTCR 2019
Nicky Catsburg:
“I can’t deny I really wanted to be part of WTCR in 2019. I have not
raced a TCR car yet, but Gabriele just won the championship so I am
sure he will bring me up to speed quickly.”
Augusto Farfus:
“After seeing the level of competition in the WTCR, I am very excited
to be joining the grid for 2019.”
Norbert
Michelisz:
“Everybody saw in 2018 how strong the Hyundai i30 N TCR [was]. In 2019
we should be able to race at the front again.”
Gabriele
Tarquini:
“This year the series was very competitive. Next year I expect the
racing to be even closer.”
Fast facts
Nicky Catsburg (Netherlands) Age: 30, WTCC wins: 2
Augusto Farfus (Brazil) Age: 35, WTCC wins: 15
Norbert Michelisz (Hungary) Age: 34, WTCC wins: 8, WTCR wins: 1
Gabriele Tarquini (Italy) Age: 56, WTCC wins: 22, WTCC titles: 1, WTCR
wins: 5, WTCR titles: 1
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