
The new series takes a travelling group of nine factory-supported touring car drivers to rounds of various regional championships, and the opener was shared with TCR Europe in Portugal, creating a 22-car field.
Michelisz, the 2019 WTCR champion, placed his Hyundai Elantra on pole ahead of team-mate Mikel Azcona, while Audi Sport drivers filled the second row, with new signing Rob Huff ahead of marque stalwart Frederic Vervisch.