Mikhail Grachev will remain with Liqui Moly Team Engstler for a second season in the TCR International Series, with the Russian competing in a Volkswagen Golf TCR.
Grachev competed for the German team throughout the inaugural TCR season in 2015, eventually finishing eighth overall in the drivers’ championship after claiming two podium finishes for the team.
The Russian driver started the season at the wheel of an Audi TT Cup car, but was forced to temporarily switch to a SEAT León after three rounds when the homologation for the coupé was withdrawn.
Grachev then raced the León for the following four meetings before moving into the brand new Golf when it made its début at the Red Bull Ring in July.
“Last season was not an easy one, neither for me nor for the team, but together we worked hard and achieved pretty good results,” said Grachev. “We have great atmosphere inside the team: the mechanics and engineers are professionals, the VW Golf TCR improves day by day thanks to the development by Volkswagen Motorsport and I have more experience in such a competitive championship.
“We have everything to make a huge step forward this season and to fight for the very top positions.”
Team Manager Kurt Treml believes that more consistency in the forthcoming season will help Grachev to achieve even greater results.
“We are happy to continue with Mikhail as we feel that in his second year he will use the advantage of knowing the tracks and the car,” added Treml. “Last year he was forced to change three different cars, which did not help to get confidence, but he always gave his best. We trust our driver setup and will start testing soon.”