Norbert Michelisz

After almost two months away from racing, Norbert Michelisz and the MOL Group Zengő Motorsport team returned to action in style: In the FIA WTCC testing session at Twin Ring Motegi the Hungarian outfit was among the fastest on the track that is new to everybody.

Norbert finished second behind Honda works driver Gabriele Tarquini, missing the top spot in the session by 0.513 seconds after 11 laps on the Japanese circuit. With his best run, however, the No. 5 Honda Civic WTCC driver beat reigning World Champion José María López who scored third place as best of the Citroën drivers.

“We tried some new things in the car, especially in terms of set-up”, Norbert said after the 30-minute session. “I was not 100 per cent confident, especially on new tires, and I am really surprised to be here in second position. If I consider the lap I did it was quite bad to be honest, and to finish second is a big surprise for me.”

According to Norbert there is some homework to do before track action continues on Saturday. “Of course we have to improve tomorrow because I do not believe that the standings will stay like this”, the Hungarian says. “But, until now, with this position I am quite confident because with this feeling it is quite possible to improve for the rest of the weekend.”

Source: zengomotorsport.hu