Dutch racing driver Nicky Pastorelli will take to the wheel of the FRD Motorsport Ford Focus in this weekend’s TCR International Series races in Sepang, Malaysia.
The Hong Kong-based team made a much anticipated return to the international stage at the last round in Singapore, where Chinese driver Martin Cao Hongwei drove the car to two solid finishes in the races.
Now the team have enlisted 33-year-old Pastorelli to race the car at the Sepang International Circuit, with the event set to mark his tin top début.
Pastorelli has previously enjoyed success in the GT1 World Championship, where he took race wins with the ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport team in 2011 and 2012.
He also won the Euro F3000 championship in 2004, and has acted as a test driver for the Minardi and Jordan Formula One teams.
“I am extremely excited to discover the TCR International Series, about which I have heard many nice things, and the Ford Focus,” said Pastorelli. “I have a very good relationship with FRD engineering personnel from past experience, and they have called me in for this event.
“It is going to be interesting and challenging, as I don’t know the car, which is still in full development, I don’t know the track and this will be my first experience with a front-wheel drive touring car.
“But I like this kind of challenge and I am happy to add this exciting experience to my curriculum.”