Hyundai retains Azcona and Michelisz for Kumho TCR World Tour

Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing retains Mikel Azcona and Norbert Michelisz to contest the first season of the Kumho TCR World Tour with the Hyundai Elantra N cars run by BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse.

Hyundai Motorsport President Sean Kim said: “TCR World Tour is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the N Brand and Hyundai Motorsport on a global stage. The start of our TCR project in 2017 was a key strategic decision, as it brought Hyundai Motorsport into circuit racing for the first time and supported the introduction of the first road cars in the N range the same year. The profile of both our TCR project and the N range have risen greatly since then. The importance of showing the performance of Hyundai Motorsport cars and representing the N brand at the top level of TCR competition remains in 2023 with the start of the TCR World Tour, and I am sure we will have more victories to celebrate this year.” 

Azcona said: “I’m really happy to continue with Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing and BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse for a second season. When I joined the team for 2022 it was a great opportunity, and now we have another one with the beginning of the TCR World Tour. Last year we proved that me, Norbert and the team worked very well together when we won both titles and I think we are only stronger at the start of this season. With the preparation done, I think we have a great chance to race of the titles again and add to the success we had last year.”

Michelisz said: “As the first season of TCR World Tour this year is really exciting. A lot of things are changing and in good ways. We know that Mikel and I are very strong, and we know that the Hyundai Elantra N is a great car. However, there are lots of questions which we will only find the answer to when we start racing in Portugal. All of these unknowns – the new tracks, the new tyres, racing with teams in the regional TCR series – mean that the driver who will win the title will be the one who adapts to these things the fastest. I can’t wait!”    

Picture: Hyundai Motorsport