Michelisz crowned 2019 WTCR champion in Sepang
SEPANG: Hungarian driver Norbert Michelisz was crowned the new champion of the 2019 World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) after a thrilling super-finale at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday.
Starting the Sepang super-finale as one of the four contenders for the throne, the 34-year-old driver finished in fifth position in Race 3 and took the coveted title to back to Hungary for the first time.
Driving a BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse in i30 N TCR, Michelisz claimed the crown from inaugural WTCR title winner and teammate Gabriele Tarquini with a total of 370 points.
“It was a long day and we had three races today. In first race I managed to win and it was a nice feeling. Race 2 and 3 were very difficult because of the changing weather conditions and it was very difficult to decide what tyres you go for. In the end you need some luck today.
“I am very happy that I have small amount of luck helping me in winning this championship. All above all, it was the most difficult race weekend of my career. But in the end, this difficulty make success,” he told reporters after the Race 3 which finished at 9pm.
Speaking on his first experience racing in Sepang, Michelisz mentioned that it was very difficult as the weather forecast was unpredictable.
“It is very difficult to do the forecast because on Friday, it looks like Sunday is a day without rain then yesterday evening forecast said we won’t have rain but in the afternoon before race it started to rain.
In Race 3 today, Swedish Johan Kristoffersson of Sebastien Loeb Racing Volkswagen pulled off an incredible win from P22 on the grid with a time of 39 minutes 02.972 seconds, 2.026 seconds ahead of Mikel Azcona of PWR Racing.
Kevin Ceccon of Mulsanne Srl came in third with 39:05.154s.
Kristoffersson prevailed after a jaw-dropping four-way fight for the win, which eventually cost Esteban Guerrieri of ALL-INKL.COM Munnich Motorsport shot at the title.
Over the opening laps, the title swung between Guerrieri and Michelisz almost at every corner, until the ALL-INKL.COM Munnich Motorsport driver lost power with a suspected blocked radiator.
“Today, it was just a result. I am glad to be here in the world championship and fight for the championship title. Of course, I am sad but there is always revenge,” said Guerrieri who finished second with a total of 349 points.
“It is quite strange, probably it could be excitement for fans but this was the last thing I wanted after being twice on pole position,” said a heartbroken Guerrieri.
Malaysian wildcard drivers Mitchell Cheah and Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah of Hyundai Team Engstler finished 19th and 16th respectively.
Bernama
