Touring car superstar Norbert Michelisz ‘can’t wait’ to make his FIA ETCR – eTouring Car World Cup debut when the new season for the all-electric racing series begins on the streets of Pau next month.
The 2019 WTCR – FIA Touring Car World Cup title winner was one of five drivers announced earlier this week as part of an ultra-strong Hyundai Motorsport line-up.
The Hungarian, who will dovetail his commitments in the world’s first 100 per cent electric touring car series with an FIA world title up for grabs with his WTCR programme, has kept a close eye on developments and is thrilled to have the chance to race the 500kw (670bhp) Hyundai Veloster N ETCR – one of the most powerful touring cars ever built.
“I was following ETCR last year when it shared the weekends with WTCR, and enjoyed watching the close battles on track, so I’m very excited about being able to participate in the series,” said Michelisz.
“It will be a completely new experience for me, but I’m very much looking forward to taking my place in FIA ETCR.”
Michelisz, who gave the Veloster N ETCR its public track debut at MotorLand Aragón in November 2020, has undertaken a key role during an intensive pre-season testing programme with the South Korean manufacturer.
“The preparations have already started, and I immediately felt comfortable driving the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR in testing,” he added. “Though it is obviously very different to drive than the TCR machinery I am more used to.
“The running we’ve done has given me a chance to learn how I need to drive the car, however, there are still some small things for me to improve before the first event at the remaining tests.
“I feel that I’m in the best possible hands with the Hyundai Motorsport team and can’t wait for the season to start.”
The FIA ETCR – eTouring Car World Cup begins with Race FR on the streets of Pau, France, on May 6-8.