Champion Stefano Comini joins new WRT-run Leopard Racing squad

Stefano Comini will take #1 with him to a brand new team in the second season of the TCR International Series, joining Leopard Racing, which will run with technical support from front-running Belgian GT outfit Team WRT, with Jean-Karl Vernay as his team-mate.

The team will field a pair of Volkswagen Golf TCR cars for Comini and Vernay. Swiss driver Comini won the inaugural TCR International Series whilst driving in one of Target Competition’s SEAT Leóns, on which the Golf TCR is closely related.

Vernay’s background is single-seater racing, but competed in GT racing in more recent years as well as the Porsche Carrera Cup, but will now have to adapt to the front-wheel drive Golf TCR.

WRT will also run a team in the new TCR Benelux Series in addition to their TCR International Series team, which runs with title sponsorship from the Leopard power drink brand.

“No doubt, it is going to be the busiest year for WRT so far,” said WRT team principal Vincent Vosse. “We have many exciting challenges ahead of us and we embrace them with our usual winning spirit. Each program will now have a dedicated staff and a leader. We are thrilled to join TCR racing, a new concept in which we believe very strongly.”

Comini, who won six races including the famous Guia Race of Macau on his way to the drivers’ championship, added:

“I have to thank Leopard Racing for giving me this wonderful opportunity and believing in my ability and in my experience with touring cars,” he said.

“As always I am here to win, with grit and passion. I already had the opportunity to meet most of the team, there’s a beautiful mix of languages but I don’t think I’ll have any trouble fitting in.”

Comini’s former team Target Competition have confirmed their switch to the new Opel Astra TCR for 2016, but have not yet confirmed drivers for this season. It is strongly antipicated that Comini’s closest rival from last year, Pepe Oriola, will be joining the Italian team to take his place.