WTCC – Michelisz wants to make an impression

Norbert Michelisz is approaching the 2017 season with the highest ambitions. After finishing 4th in the 2016 standings just 2 points behind his teammate Tiago Monteiro, the Hungarian is aware that his title chances are high after the departure of Citroën Racing.

The Honda driver will have to make an impression this weekend with the season opener in Marrakech (Morocco) where he achieved good results last year by taking 5th and 2nd places.

“My goal is simple. I want to become world champion this year and that has to start by scoring a lot of points in Morocco, especially because the Civic won't have any extra weight yet, explained Norbert Michelisz. We were very fast last year on the renovated Marrakech circuit which has many slow corners and which benefits cars that are well balanced on brakes and traction. »

“We made several improvements to the car during our last pre-season test session at the Hungaroring (Hungary) and I think we made good progress compared to the last few weeks. The whole team is confident about the performance of the car”, added the Hungarian.

Michigami in training

Ryo Michigami will have more measured ambitions for his first full season in the WTCC after discovering the Honda Civic last year on his national event.

“I enjoyed my wild car debut at Motegi last year, but I was aware that I would have to learn all the intricacies of front-wheel drive after spending two decades in car and in GT, Ryo Michigami said. The team and drivers welcomed me very well and helped me progress. I keep realistic ambitions for Marrakech because I only know it with the Honda simulator. »

The first tests will begin this Saturday April 8 at 9 a.m.