This weekend at Sochi, Russian racer Ildar Rakhmatullin will make his maiden appearance in the TCR International Series at the wheel of the third WestCoast Racing Honda Civic car, replacing Igor Skuz for this event.
After claiming the Division 1A national title in the Ice Racing Championship, Rakhmatullin established himself as one of the best Russian rallycross drivers and finished twice second in the Super 1600 class of the FIA European Championship. From last year he moved to the Russian Circuit Racing Series and scored three race victories in the Touring Light at the wheel of a Renault Twingo.
Rakhmatullin, who set pole position today in the RCRS Touring Light, said: “I’m very thankful for the possibility to join the TCR International Series in the Russian event. This is a very attractive championship, featuring equal cars and fast drivers and I’m looking forward to drive the Honda Civic. I’m aware that it will be difficult to achieve great results with such a short practice time, so my goal is to get used to the car and enjoy the racing.”
Marcello Lotti, CEO of TCR International Series, said: “I wish to thank Oleg Petrikov and SMP Racing for enthusiastically supporting this action aimed for offering a driver of the Russian Circuit Racing Series the opportunity to experience the competition in the TCR International Series. This is a further evidence of SMP Racing’s trust in the TCR concept that has already been integrated in the national championship.”
Oleg Petrikov, promoter of the Russian Circuit Racing Series echoed: “The aim of the agreement between SMP Racing and TCR International Series is supporting the TCR concept in Russia and this joint event is a major step in our collaboration. We are happy that Rakhmatullin represents the RCRS and SMP Racing at the wheel of TCR car. I wish him good luck this weekend and hope that next year there will be more Russian drivers in TCR International Series.”
