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WTCC Q&A: Norbert Michelisz

The hopes of a nation were dashed when Norbert Michelisz was forced to park his Honda Civic WTCC on the formation lap for the Opening Race at the Hungaroring this afternoon. The 31-year-old factory Honda star explains what happened and that he hopes to be back on track for the Main Race, which he's due to start from the back of the grid.

A whole nation is feeling sorry right now. Can you explain what happened on the formation lap?
"It's so unfortunate. I'm so sorry for all of the people who came. We had an issue with the engine. I'm not sure if it was the turbo or something else but I just felt there was something wrong during the formation lap and the car started to smoke more and more. I was trying to get back to the pits because I knew if it was a failure we'd need every minute. But the smoke inside the car was too big for me to see the way so I just tried to figure out where the marshals are closest with the extinguisher. Hopefully we can repair the car because in circumstances like this, even starting from the back, there is the possibility to score points.

So is there a chance you'll make it onto the grid for the Main Race?
"The guys are doing their best but it's very difficult to tell you know. There's a small chance. Everybody is doing their best to repair the car but if I'm honest I see less chance. Changing a turbo is not that easy on these cars. You have to get all the parts around it out of the car to be able to change it. It will be tight for sure."

And it's fair to say disappointing is not a big enough word?
"It's huge disappointment. It's the most important weekend by far and it's very bad when these things happen. I had a feeling it would be like this, it's difficult to explain. I've had very nice memories from the Hungaroring, it's always had a very special place in my heart. I dreamed to be on the podium and there's always a chance in the second race if we can have the car repaired."

Zdroj: fiawtcc.com