Hyundai Motorsport has announced its driver line-up for this year’s FIA eTouring Car World Cup, with Mikel Azcona, Norbert Michelisz, Kevin Ceccon and Nicky Catsburg joining Jean-Karl Vernay in the team.
The announcement means that only Vernay remains from the manufacturer’s 2021 campaign, with Augusto Farfus, Tom Chilton and John Filippi all having moved on.
Azcona has previous ETCR experience after racing with rivals CUPRA last year, whilst Michelisz brings a wealth of touring car experience, having competed full-time at the top level since 2010, although this is his first foray into electric racing.
The final sport in the team will be split between WTCR race winners Kevin Ceccon, who narrowly missed out on last year’s TCR Italy title, and Nicky Catsburg, who previously raced a Hyundai i30 for the maruqe in the 2019 and 2020 WTCR.
Ceccon will get behind the wheel of one of the manufacturer’s two Veloster ETCR cars for the first three events of the year, with Catsburg taking over from the fourth event at Jarama.
Hyundai will once again field two cars in the innovative series, with two drivers sharing each car over the course of a race weekend.
“As a team we can look back on our successes in PURE ETCR with the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR with pride,” said Hyundai Motorsport Deputy Team Principal Julien Moncet.
“However, we set high standards for all our projects and we know there is still more performance possible and we want to show this in FIA ETCR in 2022.
“Since the final round in France last year our team have been working hard to find the maximum performance from the car ready for the new season.
“We have added further to an experienced squad of engineers dedicated to the project as we head towards the first races of 2022.
“We have strengthened our driver line-up for this season with drivers with experience in ETCR and competition, as well as a huge range of other racing series.
“Their input during pre-season testing has been vital as we work to develop the car ready for a new year of competition.
“The results from the running we have already completed has been very positive, and there is still more to come before the first competitive weekend.
“When we line-up in the gates for the opening race of the season we know we will be as well prepared as possible.”
Vernay is confident that he can draw on his experience from last year to push for the overall title once again.
“I’m very happy to be part of the Hyundai Motorsport team,” said the Frenchman. “FIA ETCR is a fantastic series, and the racing is a lot of fun. I’m extremely motivated for the season.
“As a team we’ve worked hard through the winter to make sure we are ready for the start of the new campaign. Last year we showed that the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR can be competitive on track and we finished strongly with my King of the Weekend title in Pau-Arnos, and for 2022 we should be able to take another big step forward.
“Personally, I have the experience of the series and the car. I know the balance of the chassis, and what I need to do to be able to challenge for the title once again.
“However, it already looks as though this is going to be close season – with lots of talented drivers involved with different teams, which is really positive for everyone.”
Michelisz is looking forward to making his ETCR début in 2022, alongside his commitments in the FIA World Touring Car Cup.
“I was following ETCR last year when it shared the weekend with WTCR, and enjoyed watching the close battles on track, so I’m very excited about being able to participate in the series,” said the Hungarian.
“It will be a completely new experience for me, but I’m very much looking forward to taking my place in FIA ETCR.
“The preparations have already started, and I immediately felt comfortable driving the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR in testing.
“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.”
Azcona was one of the stand-out performers in the inaugural season in 2021, twice winning the ‘King of the Weekend’ accolade.
“I’m super motivated to go ahead into my second season in FIA ETCR – my first with Hyundai Motorsport,” said the Spaniard. “The experience I have in the championship gives me an extra boost of confidence to fight again for the title.
“Last year the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR was very competitive, especially in the second half of the season.
“We’re well prepared after our testing, where we’ve been able to develop the car as a team between all the drivers and the engineers.
“I’m delighted to be able to race in Jarama this year, my favourite track from my country. It’s going to be a special weekend for me having a warm support from my family, friends and all the Spanish fans. At the same time I’m very happy to race in Korea which will be another special weekend.”
Ceccon watched the 2021 season from his home and is looking forward to being a part of the action in 2022.
“I’m very excited to join Hyundai Motorsport for the 2022 FIA ETCR season,” added the Italian. “I will give all my support to the team to achieve great results, and though my role is only part-time in the series, I will race 100% every session on track.
“The Hyundai Veloster N ETCR is demanding to drive, but impressive considering how quickly the technology and engineering of electric vehicles have progressed in the last few years.
“The car and driving style are very different compared to the TCR, it reminds me a bit of the rear-wheel driving experiences I had in my career before.
“I’m happy to add Pau to the list of street circuits I have raced at, which includes Monaco and Macau, where I have very sweet memories of podiums in GP2, GP3 and WTCR.
“I watched the first season from home, and the series’ format is also something unique and very entertaining for spectators, whom I hope to see again soon in the paddocks!”
Finally, Dutchman Catsburg will return to touring car racing in 2022, having last competed in a part-season in WTCR in 2020.
“I have always wanted to be a part of ETCR, a relatively new racing series with great future possibilities,” said Catsburg. “To come back to Hyundai Motorsport after a good time with them in the WTCR feels very good, and I thank them for the great opportunity.
“I am a proper rookie when it comes to electric racing so my first test sessions were very interesting, but I was able to gain the confidence in the car and work alongside my new team-mates.
“I have confidence in the whole team’s capabilities to develop the car, so I know that the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR will be very competitive this season, and I’m already looking forward to my first race weekend.
“The calendar has some very nice tracks on it. I am particularly excited to go to Zolder which is almost a home race for me. I have had some good results there in the past and I am ready to do the same in FIA ETCR.”