Photo: WTCR

Hyundai aiming to “get title defence back on track” in Slovakia

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Hyundai customer teams BRC and Engstler will be back for the World Touring Car Cup races in Slovakia this weekend after their controversial withdrawal from the Nürburgring weekend.

“Our aim is to get our title defence back on track at Race of Slovakia,” said BRC team principal Gabriele Rizzo.

“We believe we can show the true pace and performance of the Hyundai i30 N TCR at the Slovakia Ring, where we have enjoyed strong performances in the past.”

The Hyundai drivers have had a dreadful start to the season, with reigning champion Norbert Michelisz as their best placed driver in 14th position on 13 points.

The Hungarian is trailing championship leader Yann Ehrlacher by 79 points with four race weekends remaining.

“As we approach the halfway point of the season, every opportunity to score points counts, so we have to take the maximum from every session,” said Rizzo.

For Michelisz to catch Ehrlacher in the standings, the Hyundai driver would need to outscore the Lynk & Co Cyan Racing driver by 20 points each weekend.

The Hyundai drivers will carry no compensation weight for the races in Slovakia, while the Lynk & Co drivers will carry 40kg and a 10mm increase in ride height, the Honda drivers will carry 50kg and the Audi drivers 40kg.