Vallelunga – Michelisz turns his pole into victory

Norbert Michelisz (BRC Squadra Corse-Hyundai Elantra) starts the 2024 campaign in the best possible way by taking a solid victory at the Vallelunga circuit near Rome in Italy. The Magyar was however surprised, at the start, by the more lively double world champion Yann Ehrlacher at the wheel of his Lynk & Co 03. The start went well for the majority of competitors. Alone, Nestor Girolami remains stuck in position - last, the Argentinian will make a good comeback to 10th place in this C1. 

Ehrlacher ensures the essential

In the lead, Yann Ehrlacher can do nothing against the attack placed by Michelisz at the start of the fourth lap. The Hungarian takes control and quickly builds a comfortable gap between his Elantra and the rest of the troop. Ehrlacher does not try to keep up with the pace of the Hyundai driver, he is content with second position while controlling the ambitions of Guerrieri (Goat Racing- Honda Civic type R), back in touring after his break in WEC with Vanwall. The race was more lively for the places in the top 5. Marco Butti (Goat Racing- Honda Civic type R), the young Italian, got off to a perfect start in the world with a good fourth position. He was perfectly able to resist big names like Mikel Azcona ((BRC Squadra Corse-Hyundai Elantra), Thed Björk (Cyan racing- Lynk & Co 03) Santiago Urrutia and Ma Qing Hua. 

Off to a winning start 🏆

It's victory for Norbi in Race 1 at Vallelunga as he kicks his #TCRWorldTour title defense off in style! pic.twitter.com/hpqgEh8vhM

— Hyundai Motorsport (@HMSGOfficial) April 20, 2024

Michelisz temporarily takes the lead in the general classification, 10 points ahead of Yann Ehrlacher. The rest of the FIA ​​TCR World Tour is scheduled for tomorrow at midday on the Vallelunga circuit.

Vallelunga - race 1 results

FIA TCR WORLD TOUR – Championship standings