Ehrlacher: “Family meals could become livelier”

After a year of discovery in the WTCC (World Touring Car Championship) within RC Motorsport culminated in a victory, Yann Erlacher continues the adventure in tourism. In 2018, he will drive a Honda Civic Type-R for Münnich Motorsport. Currently in private testing in Zandvoort (Netherlands, which will host the fourth round of the WTCR at the end of May), the 24-year-old Frenchman explains his state of mind before the start of the season.

How are you approaching this second year in tourism?
I learned a lot last season. I arrived in a world championship without much experience. I had no stress because I didn't have the car to win the title and no one really focused on me. Now, people trust me and I will have to meet their expectations. This additional pressure, I am ready to bear it.

Is driving a TCR car so different from an ex-WTCC TC1?
It is less efficient. It's certainly not as great as a WTCC, but it's still very enjoyable. There will be a very fair overall level, and a lot of fights thanks to the BoP (Balance of Performance). Everyone will have a chance and personally, I'm aiming for the top of the table.

It wasn't just @BoutsenGinion on-track at Zandvoort today; Fellow Honda team @allinklracing were present too. New signing @YannEhrlacher drove. pic.twitter.com/yEuXgJVNuY

— Honda Racing WTCR (@hondaracingwtcr) March 13, 2018

Isn't it amazing to race against your uncle?
It is special ! You don't see that every weekend, especially at this level. It's more a source of pride than anything else. On the track, we will be opponents, there will be no ambiguity, but family meals could become livelier than before (laughs).

Why not join his team in WTCR (he will enter two Hyundai i30 N for Thed Björk and himself) ? It’s an environment that you know (MitJet 2 Liter Champion in 2014, Supertourisme in 2015).
Yvan Muller Racing's plan was to enter three cars, including one for me. The project was unsuccessful, which did not prevent me from bouncing back. Discussions with Münnich Motorsport date back to the end of last year. I did a trial session in Germany two weeks ago, which led to this contract.