Nicola Baldan ahead of WTCR debut: “I’ve dreamt of this since I was a child”

Nicola Baldan will make his FIA World Touring Car Cup debut at the Hungaroring for Target Competition, something sparking a lot of emotions for the Italian.

“I don’t think I have the proper words to explain what I’m feeling right now”, said the 2017 TCR Italy champion.

“I’ve dreamt of this since I was a child and it has been my main goal throughout my entire career.”

The Italian, a regular in TCR Italy for Target Competition with a Hyundai i30 N TCR, will switch to the latest model of the Korean manufacturer, the Elantra N TCR in the WTCR.

Baldan has never been behind the wheel of the Elantra, and will perform a quick shakedown in Italy next week before packing and going to Hungary:

“I will try to make the most of the track time I will have, as I am told the Elantra N TCR is quite different from the i30 N TCR I am used to,” said Baldan to TouringCarTimes.

“I will not be there to make up the numbers, but at the same time I know I face a huge challenge, the field is incredibly competitive and it will not be easy. I will also have a 10-kilo ballast, and I’ve only been to the Hungaroring more than ten years ago, so that will be another challenge.”

The Italian hopes this will not be a one-off, as he is set to take part in his home race at Adria (which has been delayed) and hopes to step up to the WTCR full time next year:

“For now I will enjoy the dream, but at the same time I will push as much as I can because I hope this will not be just a couple of outings, I hope this will be the start of a new path in my career. I have to say it is not an impossible task at the moment, we are already working for next year. For now, though, my focus is completely on the race in Hungary.”

Baldan reckons he will have a significant benchmark in team-mates Andreas and Jessica Bäckman: “They are obviously both very talented, so going it up against them is going to be a good reference for me. I will try to help as much as I can understanding the car, as the Elantra N TCR is still new and hopefully we will make progress together.”

Target Competition Team Manager Andreas Gummerer also believes Baldan will contribute to improve the performance of the team: “We are very happy to extend our racing programme in WTCR and with Baldan alongside Andreas and Jessica”, said the Italian. “We will field three Elantra N TCRs in Hungary, which is a big effort for us, but it will help us a lot to improve our performances. We saw Nicola in action in the TCR Italy and we know his potential. It’s a great chance for him and we are very pleased to support him in his WTCR debut.”