Photo: WTCR

Nicky Catsburg joins BRC for final two WTCR events

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Nicky Catsburg will make his return to the World Touring Car Cup for the final two rounds of the season in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

The Dutch racer was part of the grid in both 2019 and 2020 with the BRC Racing and Engstler Motorsport teams, finishing 13th in the standings in his first season and then grabbing a win in Slovakia in a limited programme the following year.

The 34-year-old will return to BRC Racing for the final rounds as a wildcard to support Mikel Azcona in his title challenge, driving a third Hyundai Elantra alongside the Spaniard and regular team-mate Norbert Michelisz.

“I know the series and the team from previous years and I’ve enjoyed racing and working with them,” Catsburg said. “I’m very proud to be the driver called upon to come in for the crucial part of the season to support both Mikel and the team in their battle for the titles.

“In Bahrain and Saudi Arabia we are going to two very nice circuits, which will be new to almost everyone on the grid. The Hyundai Elantra N TCR is a brand new car to me, but I am confident that I can be on the pace quickly. Hopefully, I can get some strong results, and to help the team end the season on a high.”

Team principal Gabriele Rizzo said he was delighted to expand the line-up for the final two races of the current WTCR era.

“Adding a third Hyundai Elantra N TCR to our line-up is important for us as we aim to finish the FIA WTCR season with strong results in every remaining session,” he said. “Mikel and Norbi have done a fantastic job all year against larger teams, and we expect the opposition to be even stronger in the final rounds.

“I am looking forward to welcoming Nicky back to the team to help support us for these races. He has shown in the past that he is very competitive in the series, and incredibly quick to adapt to new challenges. In his first races with a new car, and on new tracks, this will be critical not only for him but to help the rest of the team during the race weekends in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

“The additional data from him will be important in making sure all three BRC Racing Team drivers are at the front of the grid and can finish the 2022 season as strongly as possible.”

Catsburg will run under the BRC Hyundai N Racing Team banner, while Azcona and Micheliisz will continue to be entered under the BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse name.