Norbert Michelisz is FIA WTCR 2019 Champion
16 Dec 2019

With a story worthy of a film – playing simulator racing games in 2005 and dreaming of turning professional in real racing the 35 year old Hungarian Norbert Michelisz driving for BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse achieved his long standing ambition of being crowned World Champion in the FIA World Touring Car cup WTCR, which boasts Japanese premium tyre manufacturer YOKOHAMA as exclusive tyre supplier.  “Always friendly and always courteous “Norby” is a well-deserved Champion who fought hard throughout the season, sometimes against the odds which are an inevitable part of racing. Congratulations to him and his team and all the other competitors for such a splendid season”, added David Oliva speaking for YOKOHAMA Europe.  “Thank you also to our Motorsport Support Team who have worked very well throughout the season, assisting all the racing teams with their knowledge and expertise on tyre technology and racing.” He added.

With a good points lead heading towards the last races of the season, held in Sepang International Race Circuit, Malaysia, Michelisz had the French Veteran Yvan Muller to contend with and not least the Argentine Esteban Guerrieri who delivered the highest level of competition against Michelisz, even going from ninth to first in Race 2. Michelisz did his homework at Sepang International and essential to the outcome was a Race 1 victory and points finishes in races two and three.

“First of all, I would honestly like to congratulate Esteban because his performances in Race 2 and Race 3 today were unbelievably strong,” said driver Michelisz. “It was a very tough fight, we were going flat out. He had some technical issues and so did I. Before Race 3 it looked like I wouldn’t even start the race. But in the end with the car working at 90 per cent I managed to do the start – and in the end it’s unbelievable. It’s just a huge relief after a long season. We didn’t start off very good, but the second part of the season made up for that. Taking the championship is something I’ve been hoping for a couple of years now.

“It’s pretty difficult to describe all the emotions going through my body now. But the most important thing is to say a huge thank you to my family, to the team and all the Hungarian people who have been supporting me for a bit more than 10 years now

Success also for Cyan Racing Lynk & Co who clinched Teams’ award courtesy of Björk and Muller.

Final Driver Standings;

1          Norbert Michelisz        372

2          Esteban Guerrieri       349

3          Yvan Muller                331