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HANSON TAKES OVER ALFA

Jay Hanson will step up to TCR in 2020 - Photo: Supplied

By Bruce Williams

Jay Hanson takes over Alfa - Photo: Supplied

Jay Hanson takes over Alfa – Photo: Supplied

Australian Formula Ford Series driver Jay Hanson will graduate to tin-tops, confirming he will contest the 2020 TCR Australia Series.

By HEATH McALPINE

Hanson will take over the Ash Seward Motorsport Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce TCR driven by Dylan O’Keeffe to four wins and two pole positions. The 16-year-old finished seventh in this year’s Australian Formula Ford title, winning the final race of the year.

After sampling the ASM Giulietta Veloce TCR at the driver evaluation day after the Winton round of the series in August, Hanson is keen to impress and hopes to use TCR Australia as a pathway to an overseas career.

“It’s awesome to join forces with Ashley Seward Motorsport in the Alfa Romeo,” said Hanson.

“I can’t wait for season 2020 and some of the great racing that we’ve seen in TCR Australia.

“There’s going to be pressure on myself to at least finish in the top 10 for the year, but hopefully we can be in a position to get some podiums by the end of the year.

“TCR is a worldwide category, and there’s many places to go after the Australian Series. Eventually, I’d like to move overseas and race there, and the rookie prize to get a test with an international team is absolutely awesome.”

Jay Hanson will take over Alfa campaigned by Dylan O'Keeffe - Photo: Supplied

Jay Hanson will take over Alfa campaigned by Dylan O’Keeffe – Photo: Supplied

Team owner Ash Seward is pleased to have signed Hanson for 2020 and is looking forward to watching his development.

“It’s really exciting to have Jay join us for our TCR program in the Alfa Romeo,” said Ashley Seward.

“He did an exceptionally good job in Formula Ford, and we had an evaluation day and he did a great job in the car.

“The power to weight ratio of a Formula Ford to a TCR are very similar, so I reckon from what we’ve seen with him, there’s no reason why he can’t be challenging for podium finishes.”

“In terms of securing our other drivers, there’s lots happening behind the scenes. This year has been challenging – we have good car speed but we need to dot our Is and cross our Ts with a couple of aspects, but it was really a learning year.

“We’re talking to lots of people about 2020, so stay tuned.”

Hanson will test the Alfa tomorrow (Wednesday) ahead of his campaign kicking off at the Australian Grand Prix for the Asia Pacific Cup and is eligible for the Michelin Rookie Cup.

ASM will expand to three Alfas next season with further announcements to be made in the new year.

For more of the latest TCR Australia news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media FacebookTwitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.