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Stories of the first WTCR year: Yann emulates Uncle Yvan

Prior to the inaugural WTCR Race of Hungary in late April, no driver had won more FIA World Touring Car races in the country than Yvan Muller.

While Muller’s four triumphs remains a record, it was his nephew Yann Ehrlacher who claimed the first victory of the new WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup presented by OSCARO era at the Hungaroring.

Ehrlacher’s success in an ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport Honda Civic Type R TCR came after a sensational opening lap when he shot from fifth on the grid to take an opportunistic lead he wouldn’t lose – and all within a handful of corners. Click here to watch how it happened.

Afterwards, the enormity of what Ehrlacher had achieved hit home to the then 21-year-old. “I knew that he was the [holder of the] record of [Hungaroring] poles and also victories as well. It feels great already to be on the same grid and even on this list for the winning driver in Hungary. I’m happy to share this with Yvan.”

Muller left Hungary with two thirds in his self-run Hyundai i30 N TCR – plus plenty of family pride following his nephew’s success.

“Probably the first time he came here he was on my knee and bouncing and now he’s winning and on the winner list,” Muller said. “I didn’t think I would still be in the car when he would be on the top place of the podium but of course I’m very pleased, it’s a strange feeling but a nice feeling.”

Rob Huff and Gabriele Tarquini were the other winners in Hungary, Tarquini’s victory over Norbert Michelisz in Race 3 breaking the hearts of local fans, who’d turned up in great number to cheer on the home hero.

Zdroj: fiawtcr.com