Last year’s TCR Australia runner-up Tony D’Alberto will return to the series in 2020, continuing to race a factory-backed Honda Civic Type-R for the Wall Racing outfit.
D’Alberto proved to be one of the most consistent drivers in the inaugural season last year, claiming five podium results and scoring points in every race on his way to second overall in the drivers’ standings.
Although D’Alberto failed to score a win, he did claim the first-ever TCR Australia pole position in the opening event at Sydney Motorsport Park, immediately proving his pace and potential.
The 34-year-old and Wall Racing will continue to receive technical support from car builder JAS Motorsport in 2020.
“I’m excited to be back with Honda and Wall Racing, and we are all aiming to go one better in 2020,” said D’Alberto.
“We had a really good year last year. It was one of the most enjoyable seasons I’ve ever had as a race car driver. The atmosphere in the TCR paddock is great and the competition was really strong.
“It’s fantastic to have Honda’s continued support and involvement with my Civic Type R, Wall Racing and the TCR category as a whole.
“It was an honour to be a part of their 50th year in Australia in 2019 and to help them celebrate such a significant milestone with their customers, dealers and staff.
“There’s no doubt that the level of competition in TCR is going to step up considerably in the second year.
“Some of the drivers and cars that have been announced already suggests it is going to be a super competitive series, but that’s what motivates us, so we’re up for the challenge.”
Stephen Collins, Director of Honda Australia, is hoping to be able to rely on D’Alberto’s experience in TCR, Supercars and GT racing to see him go one better in 2020.
“Tony and the team at Wall Racing really showcased what a great performance car we have in the Civic Type R during the first year of the TCR Australia Series,” said Collins.
“They started the year in the best possible way, scoring the first pole position for the new racing category and bookended the season with an epic come-from-behind drive to clinch second place in the championship.
“Throughout the year they provided our staff, dealers, customers and fans with a fantastic opportunity to be part of Honda’s extensive motorsports history, via a market relevant touring car category that connects so strongly to our Civic Type R high-performance road car.
“The latest Civic Type R has been an amazing success story for Honda since it was launched in 2017, both on the road and on the racetrack.
“We’re looking forward to being on board again with Tony and the Wall Racing team for a second season of the TCR Australia Series, especially when they head up to Bathurst for the first time in April.
“The Civic Type R set a benchmark lap time for a front-wheel drive production car around the Mount Panorama circuit at Bathurst last year, so it will be great to see how the performance of the Civic Type R TCR car compares when it takes to the iconic track over Easter weekend.
“Tony has plenty of experience around Bathurst in Supercars and GT Endurance racing, and he was part of our support team during the historic Australian Type R Challenge activity, so the entire team at Honda Australia is really excited see the Civic Type R take on the famous mountain track once again.
“We wish Tony and the Wall Racing team all the best for another successful season of racing in TCR.”