Hyundai leaves with 4 cars, Farfus replaced by Engstler

BRC Squadra Corse and Engstler Motorsport will defend the colors of Hyundai Motorsport, while hopeful Luca Engstler is the only new driver in the quartet.

Published on 16/03/2020 à 10:49

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Hyundai leaves with 4 cars, Farfus replaced by Engstler

Les ogres de la Coupe du monde des voitures de tourisme (WTCR) confirment leur présence pour 2020. Après Honda et Lynk & Co, c’est au tout de Hyundai to engage four i30 N in the championship promoted by Eurosport Events.

Holder of three titles (two Drivers and one Teams) in just two seasons, the South Korean brand will continue to trust its Italian right-hand man BRC Squadra Corsica. The trans teamalpine will defend the claims of outgoing champion Norbert Michelisz and the veteran (58 years old) but still threatening Gabriele Tarquini (1st in 2018, 8th in 2019).

“For me it’s a very comfortable environment, rejoices Norbert Michelisz. In 2020, there will be new challenges to overcome, such as new circuits (Inje in South Korea, at Hyundai) and new tires (Goodyear). I know I'm the defending champion, but I can be even faster this year. »

His teammate Gabriele Tarquini wants to have his say. “The goal is to fight for victories regularly and aim for the crown. That's car racing! But you also have to think about the Teams ranking. We finished in second place twice, so it would be nice to finally snatch the title. »

The second team supported by Hyundai Motorsport will be the Engstler Motorsport. Host of the TCR Asia and Germany, the structure founded by the former independent WTCC driver Franz Engstler reaches world rank at the same time as the scion of the family, Luca Engstler.

Luca Engstler will rub shoulders with the WTCR big names. © DPPI

The 20-year-old, with two top 10 finishes in Slovakia as a guest, joins the WTCR permanently, with the hot Nicky Catsburg as a teammate. “It’s a dream come true for me, indicates the double TCR Asia champion.

As a participant in the Hyundai Junior program, I was able to learn a lot from Norbi, Gabriele and Nicky. I hope to return the favor in 2020.” This indicates thatAugusto Farfus leaves after only one campaign in WTCR, not very successful it is true (15th, two podiums).

The first round of the WTCR, initially scheduled for Hungary at the end of April, was canceled due to the coronavirus epidemic. Hyundai drivers will have to wait until June 6 and 7 at best to drive their car on the Slovakia Ring (Slovakia).