Photo: TCR Series

Opel set to enter new Astra in 2016 TCR Series

Opel Performance Center GmbH, along with motorsport partner Kissling Motorsport, are likely develop the new Opel Astra for the 2016 TCR International Series as well as the VLN,

The German brand is represented in this year’s TCR Series by Campos Racing, who run a pair of Opel Astra OPCs. The team picked up their first points in Portimao, with a double points finish for Oscar Nogués in his second race meeting with the team.

The current Astra competes in the TCR International Series with special dispensation, as does the Audi TT, as it’s a two-door coupé and therefore not compliant with the technical regulations which require cars have at least four doors, but the outgoing model would likely need to be replaced with a five-door hatchback in next year’s series.

“We are in close contact with Opel Motorsport, as they are seriously evaluating the opportunity to build a TCR-spec car for the next year,” said TCR CERO Marcello Lotti. “In case they will decide to proceed, it is quite possible that the car will be the new Astra, developed by Kissling Motorsport together with OPC, and that Campos Racing will be involved to run it in the TCR International Series.”