Hyundai Motorsport announces driver line-up for 2019

Four Hyundai i30 N TCR cars will line-up on the grid for next year’s WTCR, with Nicky Catsburg and Augusto Farfus joining Gabriele Tarquini and Norbert Michelisz. All four drivers will get their preparations for 2019 underway next month, with a three-day test at the Portimão circuit in Portugal.
The name of the customer teams, as well as the exact driver line-up in the two-car teams will be announced ahead of the start of the 2019 campaign.

Tarquini who was crowned 2018 WTCR champion said: “I am obviously very happy to be returning to the series to defend my title. This year the series was very competitive. Next year I expect the racing to be even closer, with more manufacturers and more drivers – including my new teammates – to battle with. Together we can now work over the winter to prepare and make sure the i30 N TCR is right at the top of the standings once again.”  

Michelisz added: “Everybody saw how strong the Hyundai i30 N TCR is with the results myself and Gabriele were able to score. Together we had a very strong season for BRC Racing Team. In 2019 we should be able to race at the front again. I had a good finish to the year, with the podium in Macau and I’m looking forward to getting back to work to prepare for the start of next season.”

A race winner in WTCC, Catsburg said: "I am really happy to return to Touring Car racing in 2019. I have seen most of the 2018 races and I can’t deny that I really wanted to be a part of it. I have worked with Gabriele and Augusto before and Norbi I know well from my WTCC times. I can’t wait to work together with them. I have not raced a TCR car yet, but Gabriele just won the championship so I am sure he will bring me up to speed quickly!"

A title contender in WTCC and DTM, Farfus stated: “After seeing the level of competition in the WTCR, I am very excited to be joining the grid for 2019. It will be a new challenge for me, as I have not driven a TCR car before – in fact the last time I raced a front wheel drive was back in 2006. I am excited to get to work for the Hyundai Motorsport customer teams to make sure I and my colleagues make a fast start to the new season.”