Engstler Motorsport completed a first test of its new Volkswagen Golf TCR car at the Red Bull Ring last Thursday (2 July), ahead of the car’s anticipated début at the circuit this weekend.
The car, which has been developed by Volkswagen Motorsport for the independent German team, was tested with team owner and driver Franz Engstler at the wheel.
The Liqui Moly-backed outfit started the season with a single SEAT León and a pair of Audi Sport TT Cup Cars, the latter of which were allowed under a special exemption. The TCR organisers rescinded the special exemption of the Audi cars after the fourth meeting of the season in Portugal, by which time the team had taken a pole position and win with the car in the hands of Nicki Thiim.
It is believed that primary sponsors Liqui Moly require the team to compete with a German brand of car, leading to the partnership with Volkswagen which was first announced in November 2014.
Regular driver Lorenzo Veglia has competed with a SEAT León since the start of the season, whilst Mikhail Grachev switched from an Audi to a SEAT for the past four meetings.
TouringCars.Net understands that the car will make its début in the TCR International Series at the Red Bull Ring this weekend, although who will drive the car and how many will be present is not yet clear.