TCR / 27 February 2023

Four podiums for Civic Type R TCR in Australia and Middle-East

Honda Civic Type R TCR drivers scored four podium finishes in two major global series last weekend to add to the the JAS Motorsport-built car's already-bulging trophy cabinet.

Tony D'Alberto and Rene Munnich were both on strong form to ensure big points hauls for their respective teams in Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

 

TCR Australia

Tony D'Alberto kicked off his title defence with a pair of second-place finishes at Symmons Plains, Tasmania.

After qualifying fifth, the Honda Wall Racing driver launched his Civic into second within the first two corners and stayed there for the remainder.

He looked set for victory in Sunday's finale until a gear-shift issue slowed him down and led to him losing the lead towards the finish, but another runner-up spot, combined with seventh in the reversed-grid race, still made for an excellent opening round.

He is second in the points table, just 14 off the lead, and with a long way to go.

 

Gulf Procar Championship

Rene Munnich maintained his push for the TCR title with a double-podium finish at Dubai Autodrome that put the German into the history books.

The ALL-INKL.COM Munnich Motorsport driver qualified on pole position on Saturday and remained in contention for the class win throughout as he battled with his chief title rival, coming home just 0.129s away from victory.

Race Two was even closer; a race-long fight being settled on the finish line. A superior exit from the final corner helped Munnich draw alongside his rival, but he came up short by just 0.001s – the closest winning margin in series history.

Munnich is 22 points off the championship lead with 58 available from the double-points finale at Yas Marina in March.