The new Peugeot 308 TCR car has hit the track for the first time, ready for its Australian debut amongst a record field of 21 cars in the carsales TCR Australia Series at The Bend Motorsport Park this weekend.

French Peugeot factory driver Aurélien Comte was granted permission to do a 10 lap shakedown today, giving him and the DG Sport team the chance to get familiar with the new car and circuit.

The Peugeot entry into TCR Australia is being assisted by Garry Rogers Motorsport, who also run customer programs with the Renault Megane and Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce.

A new driver for the Melbourne Performance Centre Audi team has ensured a record field of 21 cars, with Victorian state-based driver Iain McDougall set to make his national circuit racing debut, driving the #3 Audi RS 3 LMS for the Melbourne Performance Centre squad.

The grid of 21 cars is the most number of cars to compete in the burgeoning carsales TCR Australia Series.

He will driver the silver #3 Audi, formerly raced by Leanne and Garth Tander is selected events.

McDougall, 28, has spent his racing career in production cars and sports sedans, racing for the past two seasons in the former MINI Challenge racers.

The Melbourne-based driver tested one of the MPC Audis two months ago during the category’s evaluation day at Winton, and is using this weekend’s event as a potential launch pad to a full program in 2020.

The TCR Australia field is one of the most diverse in the world of TCR, with 10 different car brands making up the 21 car field including Audi, Alfa Romeo, Cupra, Holden, Honda, Hyundai, Peugeot, Renault, Subaru and Volkswagen.

Two practice sessions will be held on Friday, followed by qualifying nd Race 1 on Saturday and two more races on Sunday.

All three races will be broadcast live, free and in HD on SBS, as well as the live stream coverage available on the TCR Australia website.

Iain McDougall
Driver, Melbourne Performance Centre Audi

“We had a really good day at the evaluation day and I can’t wait to get on track at The Bend,” said Iain McDougall.

“I’ve spent the last few years racing the ex-MINI Challenge cars. They are front wheel drive and it has prepared me extremely well for the TCR Australia cars.

“I felt comfortable at the test, so it was good to have that under my belt before this weekend, but we just want to get a feel for it and demonstrate that we can be competitive.

“We would like to do a full season next year, but we’ll just get through this weekend and see how we fair.”

TCR Australia Round 7 Entry List