Michelisz and Guerrieri finally want to win the title

In the heat of the Sepang circuit (Malaysia), four men will compete for the World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) title. On the one hand, Yvan Muller and Thed Björk (Lynk & Co) have the advantage of experience. They know how to manage a final and know the procedure to follow to win (four titles for the Frenchman, one for the Swede).

Par ailleurs, Norbert Michelisz (Hyundai) et Esteban Guerrieri (Honda), s’ils sont mieux placés que les hommes du Cyan Racing au championnat, ont pour léger désagrément de n’avoir jamais remporté de compétition majeure en Tourisme. 

Indeed, the Hungarian leader missed the coronation by a hair in 2017, while the Argentine, who later converted to Tourism after a perilous climb into single-seaters, has never done better than third (in 2018). 

“I feel pretty calm, announces Norbert Michelisz, who has a nine-point lead over Esteban Guerrieri. I don't know where (this state of mind) comes from. I remember two years ago (in 2017) I was anxious and thinking about racing as soon as I woke up. 

In 2017, I was the hunter, and I was out of sorts. This time it's the opposite, and that's what helps me I think. I always loved being in this position. »

By chance, this duo rubbed shoulders in the same team, still in this famous 2017 WTCC season, with Honda. “He was my teammate during the last three events that year, continues Norbert Michelisz. 

Esteban is a fantastic driver, with incredible speed and a great competitive instinct. It has a very capable package with the Civic Type-R. To be honest, it's very hard to separate Esteban from Yvan (Muller). They both have a very good title opportunity. »

Esteban Guerrieri, for his part, admits that his goal at the start of the season has already been achieved. “I wanted to arrive in Malaysia with a chance of a title. This means that we have done a good job with the Münnich Motorsport team.

Of all the contenders for the title, no one stands out, he says. Norbi is somewhat ahead, but we will all perform well. Sepang is a circuit where anything can happen, thanks to the extreme weather (storm, heat). »