PMA Motorsport has confirmed Nicolas Taylor and Felice Jelmini as its drivers for a two-car assault on this year’s TCR Europe series in Audi RS3 LMS machinery.
Taylor, 19, is the reigning TCR Italy champion, having clinched the title last year, taking two outright victories with the team in only his first year of racing in TCR competition.
Taylor made a guest appearance at the TCR Europe season finale as well, taking two top ten results and becoming the first Canadian to compete in the series.
“I’m really excited to join the TCR Europe grid and go up against some of the best TCR drivers in the world,” said Taylor.
“I don’t have many expectations, I just want to focus on maximising my performance with the car to the best of my current abilities.
“Considering I will be learning new tracks again this year, with the exception of Misano, it won’t be easy.
“However, I have confidence in myself and with my team, PMA Motorsport, and with all of the incredible work we have been focused on together behind the scenes.
“I am hoping to get into the top three this year, given my success last year in Italy. I think it’s only fair that I aim for the top.
“Of course there is the benefit of the young driver title, but I am at the point where it is much more meaningful for my future and my career to focus on overall titles.
“I’m really excited to see what we can do together as a team, racing in the complete championship on some of the most prestigious tracks in the world – I can’t wait to get started!”
Jelmini, 29, is returning to the series after a year away from touring cars in 2024 when he competed in the GT World Challenge Europe series, with those commitments also preventing him from a full campaign in 2025.
The Italian made his TCR début with the Modena-based team back in 2019 and was a TCR Italy title contender in 2020 before moving to TCR Europe for two seasons in Hyundai machinery in 2021 and 2022.
Jelmini returned to the team and TCR Italy in 2023, when the switch to an Audi saw him claim one win and another podium on his way to fifth overall in the drivers’ standings.
“I am very happy to come back to TCR Europe, it’s such a high level championship and I’m glad to challenge myself with touring cars, and especially to be back with PMA Motorsport, where there is a very strong relationship we’ve had for several years,” said Jelmini.
“I know that we can do a great job. For sure I just have to learn from Nic and the team, which has made great progress in the last couple of years so I will try to do my best and give my support.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to join all races due to clashes with GT World Challenge. I can’t wait to start the season in Portimão!”
Team Principal Matteo Ansaloni is pleased to be joining the championship full-time in 2025.
“We are super excited to join the TCR Europe series this year,” added Ansaloni. “So far we can say that it will be a super-competitive year. The level of drivers is very high and the calendar is amazing.
“I think this is a great year to join this championship, especially for Nic; he will have the opportunities to measure himself with a higher level and race at iconic circuits. As always we will be doing our best to gain the best results possible.
“We are also happy to have Felice with us once again. We competed for two years in TCR Italy with him, but to join TCR Europe together is something we hoped for a long time.
“Finally it’s happening and we will try to do our best together.”