Following his departure from the WTCC, Aurélien Panis has been confirmed his move to the TCR International Series from Oschersleben onwards, joining the Boutsen Ginion Racing team.
The Frenchman competed in the first half of the 2017 season at the wheel of a Zengő Motorsport Honda in the World Touring Car Championship, where he claimed a best result of tenth on two occasions out of the ten races held so far.
It was announced earlier today, however, that Panis was to leave the WTCC to continue his first season of racing front-wheel drive machinery in a different championship.
That has now been confirmed as being TCR International, where the 22-year-old will race in Germany for his first event in the category.
“I am very happy to join the Boutsen Ginion Racing team for the end of the TCR International Series and also to continue the adventure with Honda in a competitive team,” said Panis. “While trying to fight for the best possible results, I am very excited to start this new challenge in Oschersleben!”
Boutsen Ginion Racing previously took part in TCR International for the third round at spa-Francorchamps, entering a pair of cars for Benjamin Lessennes and Tom Coronel.
Team Manager Olivier Lainé welcomed the son of former F1 driver Olivier to the Belgian team for the rest of the year.
“We are delighted to welcome Aurélien for the continuation of the TCR International Series,” said Lainé. “He has already driven for us in the TCR Benelux and posted very competitive lap times during a test day in Zolder.
“Our team is excited for this new challenge in such a top-level series. In parallel, we will continue to participate in the TCR Benelux with Benjamin Lessennes who is currently leading the championship.”