Mikel Azcona double European champion in Barcelona

The young Spaniard was not content to just secure the crown. After this morning's pole position, he also won the race. Franco Girolami, his opponent for the title, did not have the slightest opportunity to put the Cupra driver in danger.

However, he missed the Zandvoort meeting (last June), but with six victories (including today's) Mikel Azcona (Cupra Leon) has left his opponents no chance this season. The young Hispanic driver concludes in style a season that he has mastered perfectly. He told us a few weeks ago that he won his first title by being consistent and patient. This is the exact same approach Azcona has used this season. The difference with 3 years ago? He has won races (in 2018 he signed 4 podiums, 3 top 5s and no retirements).

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For this last round of the season, Azcona does not have an easy task since he is competing, in parallel, in the WTCR round of Most in the Czech Republic. After competing in the World Cup qualifier (and taking pole in the main race!!), Azcona (along with Tom Coronel) jumped on a plane to Barcelona and the Montmelo circuit for the TCR Europe final. Saturday morning, he got into his Volcano Motorsport Cupra Leon without having done a single lap in free practice on the Catalan track. You see us coming: the official Cupra driver took pole right under the nose of Franco Girolami (Honda Civic Type-R TCR), the only driver able to challenge him for the title. The unfortunate Argentinian was not even able to defend his chances in qualifying following a mechanical failure (breakage of a water hose). He starts from last place in this first race of the weekend.

A smooth race for Azcona

To be titled, Azcona must finish ahead of Girolami. At the green light, he took off excellently and retained the lead of the race from the first turns. He takes in his wake an excellent Teddy Clairet (Peugeot 308 TCR) author of a good start from the second row. Far, far from Azcona, Girolami manages to move up a few positions at the back of the peloton. It was a smooth race that Azcona won. The driver of the No. 96 Leon has the luxury of setting the fastest lap in the race. As we write these lines, Azcona is already on the plane back to Most in the Czech Republic with the feeling of duty accomplished and morale pumped to continue this great series. Engaged in three championships (TCR Europe, WTCR and Pure ETCR), he still has the possibility of signing “the Grand Slam” because he is still able to be titled in the two other disciplines in which he participates (8th overall in WTCR with 31 points behind and 3rd overall in Pure ETCR with 35 points to make up). Continuation of the adventures of Mikel Azcona tomorrow from 14:10 p.m.  

Find the classification of race 1 HERE