HONDA SUPPORT FOR D’ALBERTO TCR ENTRY

Honda support for Tony D’Alberto’s TCR Australia entry – Photo: Supplied

Honda has thrown its support behind the new TCR Australia Series with Tony D’Alberto’s Wall Racing entry.

The former Super2 and reigning Australian GT Endurance Champion will drive a Honda Civic Type R TCR, featuring a Honda-inspired livery, reminiscent of other global Honda motorsport entries from around the world.

“It’s great to have the support of Honda Australia for the 2019 TCR Australia Series,” said D’Alberto.

“I’ve known the team at Honda for a while now, working with them on new car launches across the country. So when the opportunity came up to drive a Honda in TCR, I jumped at the chance. The category’s cost effective nature and market relevance gives them a platform to showcase one of their hero cars – the Civic Type R – in front of a big audience and in a competitive field.

“I think my Honda Civic looks terrific. It has that classic Honda feel and I know that all of the Honda staff and the dealers will be cheering for us at each TCR round.

“I’ve driven a lot of GT cars and Supercars, and these front-wheel drive cars are so rewarding when you get it right. The racing is going to be really close so I can’t wait to see how we go amongst the competitive field in the first round at Sydney.”

In a fitting tribute, D’Alberto will compete with the #50, celebrating Honda’s 50th year in Australia in 2019.

“We know what a special car we have in the Civic Type R and while this is a new series in Australia, the Honda performs well in the category at a global level,” said Robert Thorp, General Manager – Product, Customer & Communications, Honda Australia.

“For us this is a category all about customer racing and we are supportive of that – Tony is a very accomplished driver and someone we are really happy to see take the helm of the Civic Type R in this new series.

“We’re looking forward to the series kicking off and seeing Tony and the team put the car through its paces.”

D’Alberto is one of two Honda TCR entries for Wall Racing this year – the 33-year old will be partnered by Australian international racer John Martin.

The Wall Racing-prepared Civic Type R TCR will hit the track for the first time at Winton Motor Raceway today, ahead of the opening round of the TCR Australia Series that will take place at Sydney Motorsport Park on May 17-19.

D’Alberto will be amongst a field of up to 18 cars in the new-to-Australia under 2.0-litre touring car class.

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