![Ben Bargwanna, Burson Auto Parts Racing [GRM], Peugeot 308 TCR](https://www.touringcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023ARGSSR1_TAS_DKIMG1989.jpg "Photo: TCR Australia / Daniel Kalisz")
Ben Bargwanna will enter a brace of European events in 2023, as he takes on the TCR Europe and TCR World Tour regulars at Portimão and Spa-Francorchamps in a Peugeot 308 TCR.
Bargwanna, who recently turned 22, has been a regular in his domestic TCR Australia series since the start of 2021, always racing in Peugeot machinery prepared by Garry Rogers Motorsport.
He scored his maiden podium finish at Mount Panorama in 2021 and scored a first victory along with three further podium visits in 2022, when he ended the season 11th overall in the TCR Australia drivers’ standings.
Bargwanna will be only the second Australian to compete in TCR Europe, following on from Josh Burdon’s one-off appearance at Monza in 2019.
His car will be prepared by the French operation Team Clairet Sport, which has previously run brothers Teddy and Jimmy Clairet – with Teddy having also competed in last year’s TCR Australia finale.
Entering two European TCR World Tour events, along with a further two World Tour events in Australia later in the year, will provide Bargwanna with a greater opportunity to maximise his TCR World Ranking score.
“When the World Tour format became public, and there was a hint of an opportunity to compete, it was something I wanted to be a part of,” said Bargwanna.
“For it now to become a reality has made me feel a foot taller with pride and excitement. The thought that I will represent Australia at World Championship level and to be able to have a crack at Algarve and Spa is mind blowing. I can’t wait to attack Eau Rouge, let me at it!”
Bargwanna’s Team Principal is none other than his father and Australian touring car stalwart Jason, who added: “Team Clairet Sport was a clear and easy choice for our international campaign and allows us to stay with the Peugeot brand in a competitive outfit.
“It is a team we already have a connection with after Bathurst last year when Teddy Clairet joined GRM for the Bathurst International.
“On paper, the Peugeot 308 TCR may be a little outgunned on the world stage, but the experience will be invaluable, and when they all come to Bathurst in November … look out!”