Norbert Michelisz and Aurélien Comte shared the spoils in a thrilling Kumho FIA TCR World Tour double-header at Monza, as the series delivered two action-packed races during its third race meeting of the season
Michelisz grabbed his first pole position in over a year for the BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse team, leading teammate Mikel Azcona in a closely fought qualifying session. There was further cause for celebration for the Italian squad, with Néstor Girolami securing pole for the second race by setting the tenth fastest time.
The Hungarian ace returned to the top step of the podium for the first time this season with a commanding lights-to-flag victory in Saturday’s opening race. He led away cleanly from pole, while drama unfolded behind as Comte snatched second at Turn 1 from Azcona.
A multi-car clash between Ma Qing Hua, John Filippi and Ruben Volt resulted in retirements for Ma and Filippi, while Volt was able to rejoin. Comte briefly challenged for the lead, but a mistake at Lesmo 2 and a subsequent puncture ended his charge. As more rivals hit trouble. including Azcona with a tyre issue and Santiago Urrutia with a turbo failure, Michelisz maintained his composure to seal victory 1.7s ahead of series points leader Yann Ehrlacher.
Esteban Guerrieri starred with an impressive drive from tenth on the grid to fifth, overtaking Girolami on the final lap. The podium was completed by Thed Björk, while local wildcard Damiano Reduzzi finished an impressive seventh.
Sunday’s second race delivered a landmark moment for Comte, who powered through from eighth on the grid to secure his maiden victory.
Girolami led early on from reverse-grid pole but soon came under pressure from Björk and Comte. The Frenchman dispatched Ignacio Montenegro and then Björk with bold moves through Curva Grande, before overtaking Girolami on lap nine and settling into the lead.
Girolami fended off Björk and Michelisz in a tight battle for second, while Comte cruised to a 1.5s win, capping a perfect redemption after Saturday’s disappointment.
Guerrieri again made solid gains to finish seventh from 14th on the grid, further reducing the gap to Ehrlacher, who came home ninth. The title race remains wide open, with the Frenchman holding a 16-point lead over the Argentine, and Urrutia a further 11 points adrift in third.
Michelisz’s weekend haul moves him up to fifth in the standings, while Girolami’s strong points from both races elevate him to fourth overall.
The series resumes in two weeks’ time on the streets of Vila Real, Portugal.