WestCoast Racing returns to the TCR International Series with a trio of Honda Civic TCR cars and a bolstered driver line-up made up of Gianni Morbidelli, Aku Pellinen and Kevin Gleason.
Morbidelli and Gleason remain under the team’s umbrella for a second shot at the TCR International title; they are joined by former Trofeo Abarth 500 Europe champion, Pellinen from Finland.
“It’s a great pleasure to be back in the WestCoast Racing team. I feel like at home here,” said Morbidelli. “We have one goal and that is to win. We now have a more complete package with the addition of Pellinen and I have no doubt that he, Kevin and me will all be giving the maximum to be on top in what I’m sure will be another enjoyable year for us all.”
Pellinen said: “This is quite a big step in my career and my first experience of racing outside of Europe, but it’s a good opportunity in a series that is growing at a surprisingly fast rate. It’s a real opportunity to spread my wings and, while I’ve only completed a handful of laps in the Honda Civic TCR, I’m confident it will suit me well.”
Gleason added: “I’m thrilled to be back with WestCoast Racing, as this is the first time in my career that I’ve remained with one team for more than one year. We grew really close while travelling the world in 2015 so the team is like my motorsport family. To stay with them, to know the TCR International Series and many of the circuits should put me in a strong position this year.”
Team Manager, James Nixon, commented: “It feels great to welcome back both Gianni and Kevin. Their commitment is immense, as they work tirelessly on improving and grew closer as teammates in 2015, working to develop the Honda Civic with their engineers. All of that hard work will hopefully show in this year’s results. We are also pleased to add Aku Pellinen; I believe he will be a top contender for the title come the end of the season. With this line-up, I feel we are now in a position to take on the fight for the titles.”
