Change of car for WestCoast Racing in 2017

WestCoast Racing have announced in a joint event with their sponsor Acronis they will switch to another manufacturer next year, as the Swedish outfit commits again to the TCR International Series. Sportpromotion, who had partnered WCR so far in the programme, will instead focus on promoting TCR Scandinavia.

“We are looking for another manufacturer, which we haven’t decided yet”, said WestCoast Racing’s Dick Jönsson Wigroth to TouringCarTimes. “We will surely continue in the TCR International Series, I don’t know if with two or three cars, but for now I’m keeping all options open.”

The Swede was clear to say he doesn’t have any particular manufacturer in mind yet, but he wants to start afresh as he parts ways with Sportpromotion: “We have shared this adventure with them, but I don’t want to inherit that relationship. I want to start start with a blank piece of paper, so I can make sure that what I promise is my promise, not someone else’s.”

The ideal starting point for the future would be a manufacturer-supported programme.

“Obviously everyone would like to have manufacturer support, but it’s not the point. What I want is to have a starting point for something new.”

Jönsson Wigroth praised the TCR International Series, citing the new development of the Audi RS 3 LMS as a plus for the championship.

“The championship is very good, and it’s growing. Audi are coming in, and personally I think it’s a great boost for the championship. I’m convinced this is the right place to be, as I know from two seasons in the championship, for which I would like to thank Sportpromotion and JAS for theiir contribution.”

In terms of drivers, the Swede admits he would like to keep his drivers, possibly re-adding Kevin Gleason to the team, but ultimately it will be down to budget.

“We have a great relationship both with Gianni (Morbidelli) and Mikhail (Grachev). Obviously it takes money to go racing, so we will choose based on the kind of budget we have. Of course, if money came from up above, I would have both of them, plus Kevin (Gleason), who fits very well into our family. We will have to see, I can’t promise anything at this stage.”

Jönsson Wigroth also talked about this season, saying the reliability issues and the retirements made it impossible to fight for the championship.

“We’ve had too many DNFs this season, and that was obviously disappointing. I am very sorry for Gianni, but that was not a kind of problem we could solve, even if we worked 24/7, so that’s a shame because performance-wise, we were there.”

WestCoast Racing have entered three cars for the Macau finale, with Morbidelli and Grachev partnered by WTCC regular Tiago Monteiro.