Countdown to WTCR’s High Five with Norbert Michelisz

Hungarian hero Norbert Michelisz starts season five of the WTCR − FIA World Touring Car Cup without his long-term team-mate Gabriele Tarquini by his side following the Italian’s retirement from full-time competition. But leading BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse in his Goodyear-equipped Hyundai Elantra N TCR is a challenge the 37-year-old Michelisz is relishing. Ahead of next week’s season-opening WTCR Clean Fuels For All Race of France, this is what the 2019 King of WTCR has had to say.

Ad/> On becoming team leader…“To be honest it’s a very nice feeling but it’s a bit strange because I always had Gabriele to be my guide and my teacher. I realise now I am the one who has more responsibility although I am not sure if I am the leader like he was. But I like responsibility and I realise I can perform better when I have extra responsibility and extra pressure.” WTCRCountdown to WTCR’s High Five with Yann EhrlacherA DAY AGO On Gabriele’s departure from the team…“The role he played in developing the i30 and then the Elantra was significant.

It’s a big change not having him in the team, but I also have to say there are many great people who were working around us in previous years who are still here. The team is still capable of doing any extra steps it needs to take without him. But there are many personal aspects and also some driver-related aspects that are probably impossible to compensate.” On losing a wingman…“For me Gabriele was my best-ever team-mate.

We helped each other a lot and it was a very nice experience to have somebody as a team-mate you can rely on. But your team-mate is also your competitor and if your aim is to win you also need to beat your team-mate. To have someone like Gabriele to share your honest thoughts