Fabricio Pezzini will join an expanded Paladini Racing team for the next round of TCR South America, with the outfit adding two first-generation Audi RS3 cars to its existing brace of Toyota Corollas.
The team already fields two new Toyotas for Juan Ángel Rosso and Fabián Yannantuoni in the series, and it has now acquired a pair of Audis to add a satellite team to its roster.
Reigning champion Pezzini is the first driver to be named for the expanded team, with the Argentine having contested the opening two events of 2023 with PMO Motorsport in a Lynk & Co, before they parted ways ahead of the endurance events.
Pezzini found a seat with Paladini alongside Yannantuoni for the event at Termas de Río Hondo, but for the most recent race in Interlagos he was absent, with Yannantuoni instead partnered by Beto Monteiro.
Both cars are planned to take part in the next round at Rivera in Uruguay on 22 – 23 July.
“The truth is that I am very happy,” said Pezzini. “First of all, for the acceptance I have had in the team, I am very grateful to [team owner] Víctor Rosso, ‘Colo’ [Juan Ángel Rosso], the engineers and the mechanics.
“I felt very good with Paladini Racing in the Termas de Río Hondo Endurance race that I was able to run as a teammate with Fabián Yannantuoni.
“Now that I’m going to start running with this car, it obviously renews my desire and expectations a lot.
“I think the Audi has very good potential. We aim to work very well, that’s the idea. It is a new challenge for which I am prepared.
“I think we will be able to meet expectations because the team has a lot of experience and the car works well.”