2022 FIA ETCR Recap: Mikel Azcona

Twice a winner en-route to third overall in the 2021 PURE ETCR standings, Azcona’s arrival at Hyundai Motorsport came with high expectations of a title challenge in the inaugural FIA ETCR eTouring Car World Cup. Ad Azcona was only driver to switch manufacturers after ending his long association with the SEAT/CUPRA brand in favour of a move to Hyundai Motorsport N where he made his mark the squad’s most competitive entry as its highest-placed driver in five of the six events.

FIA ETCR2022 FIA ETCR Recap: Bruno SpenglerAN HOUR AGO Kicking the season off on the streets of Pau, Azcona’s 2022 ETCR campaign began with a literal bang in the Quarter-Final following a tangle with Romeo Ferraris driver Giovanni Venturini on the narrowing run down to the first turn. With the right-front of Venturini’s Guilia ETCR snagging on the rear-left of the Hyundai just ahead, the glancing clip left both cars crabbing into an early retirement with suspension damage.

Thereafter though, Azcona’s weekend would only get better, culminating in a run to a close second behind Ekström in his DHL Super Final and fourth overall in the King of the Weekend standings. While the twisting Hungaroring – venue for Round 2 and RACE HU – would prove a challenge for lesser-suited Veloster ETCR package, Azcona dug deep to show fighting form from the off.

Though a mistake two corners from the flag denied him a victory in his Quarter-Final, Azcona responded with a convincing win in the Semi-Final, earning himself pole position for his DHL Super Final. However, a sluggish getaway would nix hopes of a victory challenge, Azcona swamped by his rivals before reaching the first turn.