Renault Australia has committed to backing Garry Rogers Motorsport (GRM) for the 2020 TCR Australia season, with increased branding on the team’s Renault Mégane RS TCR cars.
GRM ran two cars during 2019 for James Moffat and Chris Pither, with Moffat’s car carrying a Renault Sport livery from the mid-point of the season onwards.
As a result of the partnership, the team will be known as Renault Sport GRM next year.
“We are proud to announce our partnership with Garry Rogers Motorsport for the 2020 TCR Australia Series, and can’t wait to see the Renault Megane R.S. competing at the top end of the field in 2020,” said Anouk Poelmann, Renault Australia Managing Director.
As part of the deal, GRM will also receive parts support and Renault Light Commercial Vehicles during the season.
“The partnership with Garry Rogers Motorsport provides Renault Australia the ability to extend our motorsport association in Australia beyond Formula 1 and strengthens the connection between Renault’s racing heritage and our Renault Megane road vehicles,” said Felix Boulin, Renault Australia Marketing Director.
“Throughout the 2019 season Garry, Barry and the entire team at Garry Rogers Motorsport went above and beyond supporting us, and our customers and fans, and have proven to be extremely valuable ambassadors for the Renault brand in Australia.
“The performance of Garry Rogers Motorsport to date highlights the genuine racing pedigree of both the Megane R.S. and the team and as they continue to develop the cars we can’t wait to see what they do on track in 2020.”
Barry Rogers, GRM Team Principal, is looking forward to continuing to work with Renault next year, with a third Mégane, developed by Switzerland-based Vuković Motorsport, on its way to the continent.
“To have the backing of Renault Australia is something that provides GRM with tremendous confidence and belief,” said Rogers.
“Renault is a brand with unmatched Motorsport history being one of a very select group who have participated in Formula 1, World Rallying, Formula E and now the most relevant form of touring car racing in the world for manufacturers, TCR.
“As a family owned race team that was established by my Dad, Garry in 1963 we have tremendous pride in representing Renault Australia, the Renault dealer network and most importantly Renault owners as we travel the country racing our Renault Megane R.S.
“TCR is the globe’s fastest growing Motorsport category which now has 36 Championships worldwide including the FIA World Touring Car Championship. Considering that TCR’s single European Championship was in 2015, this growth illustrates the enormous popularity of the series.”
Matthew Wright, Renault Australia Aftersales and Quality Director, added: “Our partnership with Garry Rogers Motorsport provides us a direct platform to further promote the Renault Sport Megane range to a wider and highly engaged audience.
“Our Renault Sport customers and fans are some of the most passionate ambassadors for the Renault brand and the way they have embraced the TCR Australia series is testament to the place the Megane R.S. range has in the hearts of car enthusiasts across Australia.
“We are excited about the opportunities our relationship with Garry Rogers Motorsport gives us to provide unique experiences to our loyal Renault Sport customers around the country.”