SUPERSTARS INTERNATIONAL SERIES: MICHELISZ, LIUZZI SHARE THEIR SECRETS ABOUT THE HUNGARORING
HUNGARIAN ACE LOOKS FORWARD TO POSITIVE SUPERSTARS DEBUT AT HOME, LIUZZI AIMS AT MORE PODIUM FINISHES
Less than three weeks are left before the fifth round of the 2012 SUPERSTARS SERIES at the Hungaroring. The championship's trip to Hungary is already providing some interesting highlights in sporting terms (five different winning drivers and four winning manufacturers in the first four rounds) and thanks to brand-new addition: a big crowd is expected in Budapest thanks to the many great names on the roster and to the SUPERSTARS debut of local ace Norbert Michelisz. The WTCC star has been competitive all-year long and also scored a popular victory in the touringcar round held at the the venue earlier this year.Michelisz explained the track's layout and the goals he expects to reach in the upcoming round of the FG GROUP-promoted championship:
"I'd say that the Hungaroring circuit is modern, but has a traditional layout with mid-to-slow corners one after the other and a lot of strong accelerations. Compared to other tracks, it has less grip. It means that the track conditions can change a lot over the weekend as the asphalt gets more rubber on it. The first left turn goes to the right and it's the slowest one. Braking is very important to keep the car balanced as we get into the following straight, where we can reach 200 kilometers per hour. Then we have a left corner (T2) that can be done using a wide choice of lines in order to exit in the best possible way. T4 is the fastest corner and equally difficult because it's tough to hold any clear reference point. The middle part of the track is also technical, with a lot of direction changes and kerbs. The car's balance is key. The final part of the circuit has more grip. T14 is definitely one of the most important, because it allows to cut some tenths of a second in the front straight.
"My goal is to join the frontrunners pack since the beginning, but without too much pressure. In Hungary there's a lot of interest in motor racing and I'm convinced the a lot of people will be on-track to support me. I'm sure that the car will be a top one, although I don't want to build too many expectations: I've no experience at all behind the wheel of the BMW M3 E92, and I'll be facing some international-level opponents in an highly-competitive environment."
Former F.1 racer Tonio Liuzzi, who entered five Formula 1 races at the Hungaroring (the last being in 2011 aboard an HRT) also provided us with some more information.
"The Hungaroring is not really suitable for the Mercedes. The carachteristics of the track itself are much better for Audi and BMW, although we're working extremely hard on the car to make it even more competitive. We expect to make another step forward after Imola and Mugello, and our goal for Hungary is to get back to the podium. We're going to do our best in order to be among the frontrunners, but the first verdicts in terms of the championship will only come after Spa-Francorchamps. The battle is still open and it's up to us to avoid any mistake in order to have our say for the title."
