TCR challenger makes brand switch

Michael Clemente has switched camps ahead of the TCR Australia Series round at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International this weekend.

Clemente has been racing a Honda Civic Type-R in the 2022 Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series and will swap to a dashing Audi RS3 for the Bathurst finale.

In addition to swapping from the Japanese make to the German brand, the #15 has also received a new paint job.

Michael Clemente will have some new warpaint at Bathurst this weekend. Image: Supplied

Clemente was previously seen in a red Honda and will now be driving a striking purple Audi with RYCO upping its support to be the primary partner.

He will be driving the same Audi that Russell Ingall drove in the inaugural 2019 TCR season where the “Enforcer” finished on the podium on three separate occasions.

Clemente has leased the car and will be racing the purple machine currently as a one-off at Bathurst.

Michael Clemente has swapped the Honda badge for the Audi rings. Image: Supplied

The privateer said the switch to Audi was made after a successful test at Mount Panorama with an eye of being more competitive in the future.

“We’ve been talking for a while about which direction we take in 2023,” Clemente said.

“While the Honda was a solid foundation, we wanted to look at how we can move up the grid and working with MPC (Melbourne Performance Centre) highlighted the opportunity to try a different car on a track I love, and have seen strong results at in the past.

“I also took the Audi to The Bend last month so I could get used to it, which was vital as I now know how different it drives.”

Michael Clemente and RYCO have teamed up to produce a striking Audi for this weekend’s Bathurst TCR finale. Image: Supplied

Clemente’s first two seasons have been focused on taking small steps as he comes to grips with the competitive category.

The 21-year-old currently sits 15th in the standings, which means he is on track to secure a career-best result after finishing 18th in 2021.

Clemente showcased his improvement at Queensland Raceway in round 5 this year, where he achieved a career first of finishing in the top 10 of all three races.

Michael Clemente has been driving a red Honda Civic Type R this year and achieved three top 10 finishes at Queensland Raceway. Image: Daniel Kalisz

Clemente hopes the support of RYCO can help him achieve further success in his new look and new car at Bathurst this weekend.

“Once we made the decision to test the Audi at Bathurst, we advised our principal partners, and RYCO were very keen to extend their relationship and come on board and title partner,” he said.

“Having the support of RYCO is a tremendous asset to our team, and we are extremely happy to be partnering with them.”

Clemente’s purple Audi beast will be in action at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International this weekend.

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