Fabrizio Giovanardi says he is looking forward to returning to top-level regular touring car competition in 2018, admitting that his forced retirement from touring car racing several years ago had never been his plan.
The Italian has been revealed as the first of the Italian team’s signings for the Reomeo Ferraris-built Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCR, marking the return of Giovanardi to FIA-level touring cars for the first time in 12 years.
“I am excited ahead of this fresh challenge,” said the 51-year-old. “I tested the car for a couple of days at Monza and, although there is work to do, I also saw the team are serious about this project and they want to win just as much as I do.
“I am not scared by hard work, I’ve always loved racing and success never comes for free. I can’t wait to get to the first race and see where we are.”
Giovanardi will be competing against multiple title holders and up-and-coming racers alike in the coming season. Of note, it will be the first time that Giovanardi – a three-time European Touring Car title winner – goes up against Yvan Muller – a four-time World Touring Car title winner – for a full season campaign.
“There will be some big names from my era as well as some fresh blood I will need to confront with,” added the Sassuolo racer. “While I don’t want to sound bullish, I’m not here to make up numbers, so we will aim as high as possible. After all, what finally convinced me to take on this challenge is the sheer passion the people at Romeo Ferraris have for racing. That is the fundamental basis for success.”
Giovanardi admits that his retirement from touring car racing, first in 2010 and then again after his BTCC comeback in 2014, had never been part of his plans.
“I had never wanted to retire, unlike someone had thought. After a tough year in the BTCC I set up my own business, but I’ve been doing this all my life and I will always love it.
“Having opened a Facebook page recently I have witnessed the huge support people still give me, and I thought I had to do everything I could not to let them down.
“I fully understand that Alfa Romeo-Giovanardi is like an icon, especially in Italy. While it gets me emotional, it is also an extra motivation to make sure we live up to those golden days.
“The Giulietta TCR has already won races, so why couldn’t we continue to do so this year? I am fully motivated and, although I don’t know many of the tracks we will visit, I’m sure we will leave no stones unturned to reach our goals.”