Hungarian team M1RA, set up by Hungarian star Norbert Michelisz and race engineer Dávid Bári, have confirmed that they will run two Hyundai i30 N TCR cars in an as-yet unspecified TCR series in 2018.
Team owner Michelisz has himself already committed to the new FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) in Hyundai machinery, where he will race for the Italian BRC Racing Team alongside touring car veteran Gabriele Tarquini.
Now Michelisz’s team has confirmed it will also run a pair of the South Korean cars, although it has not yet confirmed which series they will be run in.
The team ran Honda Civic TCR cars in last year’s TCR International Series – its first year of competing – and almost took the overall title with Attila Tassi, who ultimately finished as the runner-up in the series.
“It is always a good feeling to see hard work pay off,” said Team Principal Dávid Bári. “We had an intensive winter season, after we had won the Teams’ title in TCR International Series last year.
“I have visited Hyundai’s headquarters in Germany several times, and I was always impressed how professional and committed they are. I believe, the combination of i30 N TCR and M1RA can form a strong package in the TCR category.
“To unleash the full potential in our team, we need a close relationship with a dedicated manufacturer with strong customer support, so I am really looking forward to this cooperation.”
Andrew Johns, Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing’s Senior Sales Associate, says that M1RA’s record in TCR International, which saw the outfit claim six outright race victories, means they will be one to watch in 2018.
“We are very happy to welcome M1RA as a Hyundai Motorsport customer with the i30 N TCR this season – said Johns. “They proved themselves to be a formidable, professional group last year, when they won the Teams’ champions in the TCR International Series in their first full year of competition.
“With their excellent record, and the performance of the i30 N TCR, we are certain they will be able to challenge for victory wherever they choose to compete, and we look forward to supporting the team and their drivers during the season ahead.”
The team have not ruled out racing in WTCR, but also hinted that a regional TCR series such as the expanded TCR Europe Series, may be on the cards.
“The team has several options for the forthcoming season and I am sure we will find the best solution soon,” added Bári. “We would be happy to compete in a strong regional TCR championship, however we have not given up entering in the WTCR as well.”