Audi will be the latest addition to the TCR Series field, after the German manufacturer unveiled an Audi RS 3 LMS TCR car in Paris.
The marque had been known to be evaluating a TCR entry for some time, and now the Audi brand will be seen alongside its SEAT and Volkswagen brands in the burgeoning number of TCR championships worldwide.
Chris Reinke, Head of Audi Sport Customer Racing, believes that TCR has already shown its potential to be even bigger than the successful GT3 racing concept.
“The TCR market has even larger potential than that of the GT3 category,” said Reinke. “In 2016, there were ten TCR series with races in 18 countries, and more and more series are being added.
“With the TCR version of the RS 3 we’re also reaching countries where no GT3 races are held. The costs for a TCR car are very low. As a result, we’re going to win new customers for Audi Sport as well.
“In terms of support and parts supply, they’ll benefit from the experience we’ve been gathering with the Audi R8 LMS since 2009, which our GT3 customers have come to appreciate.”
Audi Sport Managing Director Stephan Winkelmann outlined the company’s ambitions for the car to be as successful as the R8 LMS has been for customer teams.
“Audi has been active in motorsport at the highest level for generations. The Audi R8 LMS has since become the market leader in its segment. We have the same plans for the Audi RS 3 LMS, which offers customers an attractive opportunity to get started in Audi racing.”
Marcello Lotti, CEO of TCR promoter WSC, is pleased to see yet another member of the Volkswagen Audi Group added to the TCR grid.
“We are delighted to welcome Audi to the TCR family, joining the other brands in the group Volkswagen and SEAT who have become regular winners in the International and National series,” said Lotti.
“I think the decision to build and develop the SR 3 car demonstrates a clear belief in the TCR concept and I would like to thank Audi Sport Customer Racing for their commitment and enthusiasm in the project.
“The decision to reveal the car at the Paris Motor Show is also significant, as it presents the car in front of the world’s automotive media. I am looking forward to the Audi RS 3 LMS making its racing debut and I wish Audi every success in the future.”
