Swiss racer Fredy Barth will race for Wiechers-Sport in partnership with Emil Frey Racing at the wheel of one of the team’s BMW 320 TC’s in the World Touring Car Championship, it was announced today.
Barth, 33, competed full-time in the WTCC between 2010 and 2011 at the wheel of a SUNRED-run SEAT León. For 2012 Barth was unable to secure the funding to compete for the whole season, instead competing in only the final two events of the year in China and Macau, where he scored a brace of 8th placed finishes in Macau.
In his WTCC career to-date, Barth’s best result has been a 4th placed finish around the streets of Marrakech in 2010. He finished 13th in the driver’s championship in 2010, following it up with 19th in 2011.
“After the successful comeback with two eighth-place finishes in the season finale in Macau in 2012, I am overjoyed to be able to fight for points in the WTCC again with my partners and sponsors this year,” said Barth. “I would like to thank them all for their commitment and belief in me. I am certain that we have a promising package with the further developed BMW 320 TC from Wiechers-Sport and that we will successfully fight for points and trophies with it.
“Furthermore I am convinced that the new situation will bring a positive impact for the team and Emil Frey Racing.”
Wiechers-Sport Team Manager Dominik Greiner was pleased to be able to welcome Barth to the German team.
“I am pleased that Fredy will take to the start in our team in this season’s WTCC,” said Greiner. “I have known Fredy for quite a few years now and I am delighted that we can now work together.
“We at Wiechers-Sport all warmly welcome Fredy and his partners. Before us is an exciting new season and I am certain that once Fredy has gone through a settling in period and got to know the BMW 320 TC he will be very competitive. I am convinced that we will soon be celebrating sporting success together!”