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COULTHARD TO MAKE TCR DEBUT

Fabian Coulthard to make TCR debut - Image: Supplied

By Bruce Williams

Fabian Coulthard is set to make his debut in the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia series at Symmons Plains next weekend.

The Supercars race winner joins opening round of the ARG Speed Series as part of AWC Race Tasmania in what is a one-off deal at this stage, with the backing of Stan Sport who are kicking off its new multi-year broadcast deal with ARG in a big way.

Coulthard will drive a Wall Racing-prepared Honda Civic Type R TCR at the Symmons Plains event, teaming up with familiar face and former Supercars endurance co-driver Tony D’Alberto.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to guest drive in TCR with the backing of Stan Sport,” said Coulthard.

“David’s team is very professional and is the perfect way to sample what TCR is all about. I’ll be looking to get some tips from my old mate Tony D’Alberto and I’m excited to partner with him again.

“Although I lack experience racing a front-wheel-drive touring car compared to my rivals, it provides a new challenge for me.

“It’s great to be a part of the launch of the Stan Sport deal too. The more motorsport we have on our televisions is great news, so I’m looking forward to seeing how it plays out over the next few years.”

The deal was formally announced on the Nine Network’s Today Show this morning, with Coulthard getting his first look at his turbo-charged Honda touring car at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Coulthard will drive the team’s second entry, taking over the the car driven last year by Supercheap Auto TCR Australia race winner John Martin.

The popular Kiwi touring car ace brings more than 15 years of Supercars experience to the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia field. During his time in the category, Coulthard achieved 13 victories, 56 podiums and nine pole positions.

“It’s great to welcome a driver the quality of Fabian to not only the team, but the category,” said David Wall, Team Owner.

“With Fabian joining Tony in Tasmania, it is a formidable team and we aim to improve upon last year’s results at Symmons Plains.

“We can’t wait to represent the Honda brand once again on the TCR Australia stage.”

Despite his vast experience in a variety of categories, Coulthard’s TCR debut at Race Tasmania marks his first front-wheel-drive racing experience.

The second-running of AWC Race Tasmania will see the TCR Australia Series cars compete alongside the S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship, Turtle Was Trans Am Series and three local support classes.

Racing will be available to stream ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport, with live coverage also on the Nine Network.

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the current issue of Auto Action.