Michelisz takes over Farfus’ BMW

The Zengö Dension Team announced that Norbert Michelisz will take part in the 2011 WTCC with a BMW 320 TC in partnership with BMW Hungary. In an effort to gain more experience with the new technical package, the team decided not to attend the season-opener at Curitiba and to join from the second event at Zolder.

Michelisz, who created sensation on his maiden WTCC season last year by becoming the first Hungarian driver to win a world championship race, will take over Augusto Farfus’ former BMW factory car that is being upgraded to the new TC specifications that include the 1.6-litre turbo engine. The car will be updated and prepared by Belgium-based Team RBM that will also provide technical support on track.

"I’m very happy to race a BMW 320 TC. I will need to adjust my mind and driving style for the rear-wheel drive. We have a lot work to do in order to get to know the car, but I’m confident that we will be able to make a big step forward especially in case we will be testing the car ahead the first race," Michelisz said.

Henning Putzke, Managing Director BMW Group Hungary declared: "We are happy to support the team. Norbert Michelisz is a great talent and we hope to see him more often on the podium in 2011 so that the world can recognize the success of Hungarian motorsport. Supporting him is an extention of the motorsport engagement of BMW Group Hungary."