WTCR – Vernay moves into the Audi fold, six RS 3 LMS entered

There will be no less than six Audi RS 3 LMS aligned in the WTCR survey (World Touring Car Cup, replacing the WTCC), for two different teams: Comtoyou Racing, as announced at the start of the year, but also Team WRT, which is continuing its partnership with the firm at Les Anneaux initiated in 2009.

Even if official entries are prohibited in this championship, Audi has placed four professional drivers, and not the least. Winner of the TCR International Series in 2017 with Volkswagen, the Frenchman Jean Karl Vernay is rewarded with a contract with Audi Sport. He will evolve within the WRT Team, and will reunite with his teammate from the last TCR round in Dubai last year, Gordon Shedden. The 39-year-old Scot, multiple winner of the BTCC (British Touring Car Championship, 2012, 2015 and 2016) benefits from the same status as the Rhône.

Strength in numbers will be Comtoyou Racing’s advantage. In addition to Aurélien Panis and Denis Dupont, the young structure will count on the driving force of Frederic Vervisch (10th in 2017) and Nathanaël Berthon. The latter will discover the TCR category in 2018, after a career spent in promotion formulas as well as LM P2, notably at Le Mans and in ELMS.

“This new championship is an interesting scene for manufacturers involved in tourism,” explains Chris Reinke, Audi Sport customer competition manager. Our teams and drivers bring significant touring car experience, which will enable us to aim for the Drivers and Teams titles. »

François Ribeiro, WTCR promoter, welcomes the arrival of the German brand. “Shedden and Vernay are two remarkable champions; it will be exciting to watch them fight for the crown on the track. The Audi RS 3 LMS should produce a capable package. »

The start of the season is scheduled for Marrakech (Morocco), April 7 and 8.