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TCR Australia confirms tyre supplier, race formats for 2019
TCR Australia has confirmed a multi-year tyre supply deal, as well as a number of key race regulations ahead its highly-anticipated maiden championship next year.
French tyre giant Michelin has signed a multi-year tyre supply deal for the international category, becoming the inaugural control tyre supplier.
Michelin is no stranger to TCR Series worldwide, acting as the official tyre supplier for the two opening seasons of TCR International in 2015/2016.
TCR Australia joins TCR Asia, China, Scandinavia, Thailand and the Spanish Endurance Championship as the current championships that have exclusive deals with Michelin.
TCR Australia has also confirmed the intentions for its race regulations that will be the focus of teams during its inaugural seven round championship.
All TCR Australia rounds will be held under sprint race formats, with three races per weekend making up the preliminary regulations.
The category will investigate the viability of longer, endurance races for the 2020 season.
Announced two weeks ago, TCR Australia will be run alongside the Shannons Nationals, taking in all seven rounds of the official CAMS-backed championship.
CLICK HERE for full details on the 2019 TCR Australia calendar.
All four TCR Series cars that have arrived in Australia – Audi, Honda, VW and Hyundai – are testing at Sydney Motorsport Park today, with potential competitors and media getting immersed in TCR.
QUOTES
Matt Braid
Australian Racing Group, Director
“We are very pleased to announce a prestigious and world-renowned brand such as Michelin to be our official tyre supplier to TCR Australia from next year,” said Matt Braid.
“There was significant interest in the control tyre supply agreement for the category, and we feel very privileged to have Michelin as our inaugural tyre partner.
“The decision to select Michelin as the tyre supplier was based on their experience in Asian and European TCR competition, their comprehensive level of support they are able to provide on and off track, and their intention to use TCR Australia series in their consumer marketing activities.”
Patrick Dias
Michelin Motorsports Director for Asia-Pacific
“We are very excited about partnering with the TCR Australia category and vehicle manufacturers that serve it,” said Patrick Dias.
“We use motorsport as a laboratory for our tyre development. The data collected during races allows engineers to work on new technologies which are carried over to our road tyres.
“Michelin’s interest in the TCR championship is based on two chief considerations. First of all, TCR’s international status provides Michelin with visibility not only in the world’s mature markets, such as Europe, but also in the fast-emerging markets of South America and southern Asia.
“Secondly, the philosophy behind the TCR series enables cars derived from production models to compete, and the idea of racing with cars that are similar to their road-going counterparts – fits perfectly with the Michelin group’s vision.”