TCR International Series in Thailand: Two wins for Honda at Buriram

Honda Civic drivers Norbert Michelisz (M1RA) and Aurelien Panis (Boutsen Ginion Racing) are the winners of two TCR International Series races at Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand. For both drivers that were maiden TCR International victories. Another Hungarian driver Attila Tassi (M1RA) is the new championship leader after eight rounds and sixteen races, two points ahead of Jean-Karl Vernay (Leopard Racing).

Race 1: Front-runners retired on the closing laps

In the first race, Mato Homola started from pole in the DG Sport Competition Opel Astra and stayed in the lead almost until the end. Unfortunately, a blown front tyre with only two laps to go ruined his race. M1RA team boss Norbert Michelisz inherited a lead and won the race in his third TCR International appearance. On the last lap, the second-placed Pepe Oriola stopped on the track with gearbox failure. Following his retirement, two M1RA drivers finished on the podium as Attila Tassi grabbed third place, behind Dušan Borković who made a fantastic progress from 13th on the grid in the GE-Force Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

Attila Tassi, TCR International Series, Thailand

Attila Tassi is a new championship leader

Race 2: Lights-to-flag win for TCR newcomer

In the second race, Aurelien Panis started from pole in the reversed grid, with Stefano Comini alongside him. Panis started well and remained in the lead until the checkered flag after 14 laps. Giacomo Altoe jumped to P2 at the start. Both he and Comini stayed in front until the end, completing a podium next to young Frenchman who was newcomer in the TCR International Series.

Attila Tassi was holding P4 from start to finish. His team boss Norbert Michelisz was watching his back until the last lap, when he retired and handed P5 to Jean-Karl Vernay. Tassi and Vernay started the race tied in the points, so after this race Tassi is leading a championship with 2-point advantage.