He knows the circuit, he knows his own team and he knows the Honda Civic from last year’s participation in the TCR Benelux series. Therefore it was not a surprise to see Norbert Michelisz on top of the first Free Practice time sheet on his maiden appearance in the TCR International Series.
The Hungarian star improved the fastest lap three times in the second half of the session and only Pepe Oriola was able to provisionally oust him from the top.
Oriola set the first significant fastest lap of 1:55.386 that was soon bettered by Michelisz to 1:54.983. Oriola was able to respond and improved to 1:54.864. However, Michelisz could go even faster and posted two new best laps of 1:54.407 and 1:54.133.
Oriola’s SEAT maintained the second position, while Frédéric Vervish’s Audi ranked third (1:55.171) ahead of Attila Tassi’s Honda (1:55.670) and Mat’o Homola’s Opel (1:55.771).
Gianni Morbidelli was the fastest of the Volkswagen drivers, in sixth position (1:55.840), while Dušan Borković placed his Alfa Romeo Giulietta in ninth (1:56.173).The two leaders in the standings were not among the fastest: Stefano Comini posted the 14th best lap and had a flat tyre, while Roberto Colciago did slightly better with the 10th fastest lap.
Mark Jedlóczky had a moment when his Giulietta lost a wheel, however, the young Hungarian was able to keep control and avoid any damage.Leopard Racing teammates, Rob Huff and Jean-Karl Vernay used the session to shake down their Golf cars that have been rebuilt following last week’s crashes in Austria.
The debutant KIA cee’d of István Bernula was clocked at 1:58.688 for 20th position, while the other KIA entered, that of Fernec Ficza, did not take part in the session.
In fact, none of his Zengő Motorsport teammates (Dániel Nagy, Anett György and Csaba Tóth) left the paddock, as the Hungarian team is still working to prepare their cars.
The second Free Practice will take place tomorrow at 12:15 local time.
