Honda YPF Racing to field five drivers in TCR South America

Squadra Martino will field five cars in this year’s TCR South America series, with the team benefitting from increased backing from Honda Argentina as it enters under the banner of Honda YPF Racing in 2025.

The team will run new-spec Honda Civic Type-R FL5 cars for four Argentines (Leonel Pernía, his son Tiago Pernía and Leonel’s brother Mariano Pernía and Adrián Chiriano) and one Brazilian (Nelson Piquet Jr).

Leonel Pernía needs little introduction. The 49-year-old made his début in TCR last year, but is also one of the most successful tin-top racers in the country, having claimed four TC2000 titles.

Tiago Pernía made his début in both TCR and TC2000 last year. In the latter he was an early title contender as he claimed four victories from his first six races, eventually finishing the year third overall.

Leonel and Tiago will also compete for the team in this year’s TC2000 championship.

Mariano Pernía, 47, has made occasional appearances in TC2000 in recent years. He is perhaps better known as a former footballer, who played, amongst other clubs, for Atlético Madrid as a left-back from 2006 to 2010.

Like Mariano, Adrián Chiriano is also new to TCR racing in 2025, having competed in the domestic Top Race series and Turismo Nacional.

Nelson Piquet Jr, the son of three-time Formula One champion Nelson Piquet, will also compete full-time with the team in 2025. Piquet made his début in the series in a one-off outing in 2023, and joined the team for the Interlagos event in 2024.

“We are very excited and are confident in the talent and dedication of the team and our drivers,” said Víctor Pruvost of Honda Motor Argentina.

“Honda Racing is committed in its passion for motorsport, and we are sure that we are going to achieve great results during the season.”

Squadra Martino will also run Hondas campaign in TC2000 this year with the Honda ZR-V SUV.

The 2025 TCR South America season gets underway at Rosario this weekend.