By Tarek Ramchani
A new era in Touring Car racing is about to start at Sepang this upcoming weekend. The Malaysian circuit will be hosting the first ever round of the newly formed TCR International Series. The event is supporting the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix
The Audi brand was not expected to join this year with no car eligible for TCR rules. However the fans of the Four Rings will be able to see the debut of the new Audi TT this weekend.
The Audi TT has been granted authorisation by WSC Ltd and TCR to compete in selected events. So don't expect to see the Audi TT to do the full TCR season. Liqui Moly Team Engstler, the team entering the cars, will switch to Volkswagen Golf GTIs very soon.
Liqui Moly Team Engstler from Germany will field two Audi TT cars at Sepang. Team owner and driver, Franz Engstler, will be behind the wheel of the #6 Audi TT. Mikhail Grachev from Russia will drive the #8 machine. The team will field a third car, a SEAT Leon Cup Racer for Lorenzo Veglia.
The opening TCR International Series round will see 17 cars battling for the outright victory. The Audi drivers will be challenged by SEAT Leon Cup Racer, Ford Focus RS, Opel Astra OPC and Honda Civic cars.
Action will start on Friday with two practice sessions. Qualifying and Race 1 will be held on Saturday. Race 2 will conclude the TCR weekend on Sunday.
Photo credit: Audi Media
