Honda’s Norbert Michelisz is seeking his first World Touring Car Championship win of the season in Vila Real this weekend, with the Hungarian hoping to break his 2016 duck in Portugal.
Michelisz has featured on the podium five times so far in 2016 – more than either of his team-mates Tiago Monteiro or Rob Huff – but unlike his colleagues he has yet to stand on the top step of the podium.
Michelisz finished on the podium in the first race at the high-speed street circuit in 2015 and admits that he enjoys racing at the challenging, barrier-lined circuit.
“I really enjoy coming to Portugal every year,” said Michelisz, who is currently sixth overall in the drivers’ championship. “As an event, Vila Real was fantastic in 2015 and with it being Tiago’s home race, we can be sure of some great support for Honda all weekend.
“I’m on really good form right now with three podiums from the past four races, but one of my aims for 2016 was to get my first win as a factory driver and there’s no time like the present.
“The circuit is very demanding, but we’ve done some good preparation work on the simulator and we look to be in pretty good shape.”
Michelisz will have to contend with an extra challenge this weekend though, as the Civics have been handed 60 kg of compensation weight after their performances over the previous three meetings, making the car heavier than at any other point this year.