Honda’s Norbert Michelisz is being cautious about predicting that he can make it three Main Race wins in a row in this weekend’s World Touring Car Championship races in China, with the Civics being laden with 80 kg of compensation weight.
Michelisz has taken victory in both of the Main Races in the past two WTCC events in Argentina and Portugal, lifting the Hungarian to third overall in the drivers’ championship standings.
And whilst he is keen to get back behind the wheel again after a long three-month pause since the last race in July, Michelisz is cautious about predicting another race two victory for the JAS Motorsport Honda team.
Michelisz also expressed his disappointment that Tiago Monteiro is unable to join him at the Ningbo International Speedpark, with the points leader missing the event due to the legacy of a testing shunt he suffered in September.
“I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel in China,” said Michelisz. “Three months is a long time to be away from the WTCC, but it’s given me a chance to recharge my batteries after an intensive first half of the season.
“Of course, I am very sorry for Tiago, and I’m sure he’ll come back stronger than ever in Japan.”
Michelisz added that Honda have carried out further work on the Civic, which arrives in eastern China with some upgrades even though the car will be carrying the maximum ballast for only the second time this season.
“There have been some excellent developments on the car since Argentina that have improved the performance of the Civic.
“It will be extremely tough to make it three Main Race wins in a row with 80 kg ballast in the car, but we’ll work together to do the best job we can for the team.”
Michelisz is 29 points adrift of championship leader Monteiro heading into the event.