Michelisz is back in the pack in Valencia

2010. április 18. 22:36  szerző: Viktor Adorján

Changeable but mostly rainy conditions were set on Saturday in Valencia where the 2010 SEAT Leon Supercopa season begins. Zengő Dension Team is represented by György Kontra, Attila Solti and WTCC points-scorer Norbert Michelisz.

A returnee, a rookie and a World Touring Car Championship driver are forming Zengő Dension Team’s line-up for the start of the 2010 SEAT Leon Supercopa in Valencia, as the team launches its 2010 single-brand championship campaign.

The operation has had a great experience in various single-brand championships including three years in SEAT Leon championships; this year the team stepped up into the WTCC with its lead driver Norbert Michelisz but the presence in the world of customer competition is still kept up.

Valencia, the Cheste Circuit sees the opening of the 2010 SEAT Leon Supercopa series and the circumstances didn’t make the start easy for the drivers. Unusually low temperatures, changeable conditions and rain hit the track to make the chances and possibilities totally unpredictable on the first race day of the season.

Good to be back

“It’s good to be back, I like this championship, because the field is so serious in terms of talent and headcount”, said SEAT Leon Supercopa returnee György Kontra after the practice sessions.

The drivers had one plus one hours track time before the first serious event, the qualifying session for Saturday’s first two sprint races. Despite the great amount of time to practice, Kontra felt the positives of being an accomplished driver. He added: “It is good that I was driving a lot last year, I could improve compared to that and I’ve still got reserves in myself.”

Supercopa rookie Attila Solti ended the practices with positive feelings, as he successfully completed the two sessions without any problems and started to learn the way the things are going in the Spanish single-brand championship.

“We arrived to Valencia on Thursday evening and went onto the track immediately. We were walking for two laps while Norbi (Michelisz) was explaining. It was pretty unbelievable to hear what needs to be done here but I thought that the car should do its job if it has worked for him. On the free practices I tried to do what he advised. It was good, I calmed a bit down but of course I still have a lot to learn”, said Attila Solti.

There is no question that Zengő Dension Team’s flagship was again Norbert Michelisz, driving – this time – his red Supercopa with the aim to keep up his reflexes during the unusually long break after the WTCC season opener and the second round of the world championship in Marrakech.

“I thought I’ll need to adopt [for the Supercopa car] but it was natural that I’m driving this car from the first moment”, explained the first ever Hungarian WTCC points scorer driver. He added: “I expect to win at least one of the three races and finish on the podium at least twice. I’m absolutely delighted with my practice results, a lot of drivers used new tyres for the second session; I think there won’t be any problem”.