WTCC – A 4th Honda Civic for Michigami in Japan

If the WTCC already seems to be folded, both in the Drivers' and Manufacturers' rankings, on its grounds of the Twin Ring Motegi in Japan, Honda intends to subdue the Citroën C-Elysée. Tiago Monteiro, Norbert MIchelisz and Rob Huff will always be the spearheads of the Japanese firm, but the Tokyo clan will rely on an in-house figure to try to support the usual Civic TC1 drivers on the world stage.

Ryo Michigami, 43 years old, Honda driver for many seasons, notably in Super GT at the wheel of the NSX, will be lined up in a fourth official Civic for the Japanese WTCC meeting (September 2-4). The current boss of the Drago Corse team, which he founded, will make his debut in the championship.

“I had the chance to test the Civic WTCC in Barcelona last week and was hoping for an opportunity to race, Michigami admits. I was involved in the development of the Civic Type R, revealed last year, and I had watched the development of the Civic WTCC closely.

I will run with my heart and soul in Motegi and put all my experience to use. Honda and JAS Motorsport offer me a wonderful opportunity. The car was very fast in Spain and I will definitely be well prepared for the races in Japan. »

Last year, TIago Monteiro brought Honda a victory in the second race at Motegi ahead of the Chevrolet Cruze of Hugo Valente and the Lada of Rob Huff, while Michelisz and Tarquini secured a double podium in the inaugural race behind José Maria Lopez.