Hyundai Motorsport N FIA ETCR eTouring Car World Cup driver Mikel Azcona had cause to celebrate over the past weekend after taking the drivers’ title in the WTCR − FIA World Touring Car Cup in the season-finale WTCR Race of Saudi Arabia.
Azcona was in action alongside fellow Hyundai Motorsport FIA ETCR competitors, Norbert Michelisz and Nicky Catsburg as international touring car racing made its first visit to Saudi Arabia.
Coming into the event, Azcona had a significant but not insurmountable lead in the standings, but come qualifying his crown was confirmed after his time – third-fastest – meant a now unassailable lead.
“It’s a fantastic feeling, it’s something I cannot believe. I worked all my life for this,” said the new King of WTCR.
“A very hard four last years here in WTCR to win the title. Basically, this is my life’s work starting with my family, my parents. Mama and papa, thank you for everything you gave me, this opportunity to play in this sport.
“This season was a perfect one. Since the first moment I entered into the team I had a very good welcome, since the first day with Norbi [Michelisz], with everybody in the team, my mechanics, everybody. If you are next to the good people good things are coming. I have to thank everybody on the team for all their jobs, not only at race weekends, but also Monday to Monday. Winning the title is unbelievable, thank you to everyone for the opportunity.”
Azcona would go on to finish into sixth place in race 1 and a final podium place of the year with P3 in Race 2.
For Michelisz, second in qualifying – just ahead of the new King – was translated into second place in the first race of the weekend and P4 in the second outing. It was a tougher weekend for Catsburg. After qualifying P7, the Dutchman finished in seventh in Race 1 and then suffered a DNF in the final outing.
