Garry Rogers Motorsport has committed to entering the 2019 TCR Australia series with a pair of brand-new Alfa Romeo Gilietta Veloce cars, becoming the latest high-profile name for the inaugural season.
The cars are currently under construction at Romeo Ferraris’ Milan workshop and will soon be delivered to Australia in full 2019 specification.
It marks a return to the Italian brand for GRM, who previously campaigned a 155 TS in the 1995 Australian Super Touring Championship more than twenty years ago.
GRM are a regular in the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship and has also recently committed to entering the new Australian S5000 Championship.
“We have been looking with interest in the TCR Series from a far, at both the local and international competition, and we have been really impressed,” said GRM’s Barry Rogers.
“We are in the motorsport business, and we will consider anything where we feel there is value for our business and the sport as a whole.
“There’s no doubt that TCR competition is a cost-effective way to compete, which is why we have decided to secure two Alfa Romeos for the 2019 season in Australia.
“Obviously, GRM is heavily invested in Supercars and that remains our primary focus, however, like our involvement in S5000, we have seen a new market and we are very keen to be involved.
“Myself and our head engineer Richard Hollway went to Europe to visit a number of TCR manufacturers, and we were particularly impressed with the Romeo Ferraris team. The way they are in business is very similar to us – family run business, strong ties with car makers and we were impressed by their enthusiasm.
“We’ve formed a collaboration where we will help group the Alfa Romeo brand in the Asia Pacific region, and having the brand-new Guilette Veloce at our disposal is perfect timing too. We’ll have the latest-spec car that will be competitive and unique.
“It won’t be the first time that GRM has raced Alfa Romeos in Australia too. We raced an Alfa Romeo 155 in the 1995 Australian Super Touring Championship for Steven Richards, so there’s something romantic about us having done this deal with Romeo Ferraris to secure the two Alfas. That was our first year in the championship with Steven Richards and it was a great car.”
Matt Braid, Director of TCR Australia promoter Australian Racing Group, welcomed the latest high-profile name to commit to TCR Australia.
“Alfa Romeo is a prestigious, global brand, with a great racing heritage and it’s fantastic to welcome them into the inaugural TCR Australia Series,” said Braid.
“It’s really pleasing to add another great manufacturer to the TCR Australia grid with Alfa Romeo joining Audi, Volkswagen, Hyundai and Honda who are already represented.
“Having a team of the calibre of Garry Rogers Motorsport is a great endorsement for the category. GRM is one of the best motorsport operations in Australia and I know they will put together a formidable TCR program.
“Momentum for the category is in full swing now and we are looking forward to a raft of exciting announcements in the coming weeks.”
The first round of TCR Australia takes place at Sydney Motorsport Park on 17 – 19 May, and GRM’s Giuliettas are expected to arrive in Australia in the coming months following their TCR homologation in February.