Tony D’Alberto will become the first driver in TCR Australia history to try to defend his title, after Honda Australia confirmed that he would defend his title in a Honda Civic Type-R with Wall Racing.
D’Alberto, 37, won the 2022 title after claiming two victories and five podiums in a consistent campaign which saw him edge out Will Brown by just nine points.
The Australian will continue to race the same Civic Type-R which took him to the overall title last year.
D’Alberto and Wall Racing have contested every season to-date in TCR Australia, picking up a total of two wins, 11 podiums, two pole positions and one fastest lap and during that time.
In 2019, D’Alberto was the runner-up, and when the series returned after a COVID-enforced break he finished 12th overall in 2021.
“It’s great to confirm that I’ll be coming back to defend my TCR Australia series title with the #1 placed on my Honda Civic Type R,” said D’Alberto
“The TCR Australia is one of the best racing categories that I’ve ever been involved with, the cars are rewarding to drive, the competition is close and continues to be an affordable, market-relevant class.
“The Honda Civic Type R TCR has proven around the world to be competitive in all TCR Series, and I was very pleased to give Honda its first title success in Australia last year.
“With the ongoing support from JAS Motorsport, plus the professionalism of Wall Racing, there is no reason why our package won’t be a force in 2023.”
Carolyn McMahon, Director of Automotive at Honda Australia, is pleased to extend the company’s backing of D’Alberto.
“I’m very pleased to announce on behalf of Honda Australia that we will be continuing our support for Tony in TCR Australia in 2023,” said McMahon.
“We know how hard Tony and Wall Racing have worked with Honda Australia over the past four years to ultimately win the series last year.
“We know they will be doing everything they can to put the #1 Civic Type R TCR back up the front of the field.”
The 2023 TCR Australia series begins at Symmons Plains Raceway on February 24-26.