Photo: emagsportauto.com

Zengő Motorsport sign Olivier Panis’ son for 2017 WTCC season

Zengő Motorsport has confirmed Olivier Panis’ son Aurélien Panis for the 2017 World Touring Car Championship season.

“I’m very proud to join the WTCC,” said Panis. “It is a very strong international championship and a great step in my career. There are many experienced and successful drivers in the series so it will be a very exciting and tough challenge for me; I had better roll up my sleeves from day one. I’m proud to drive for a great team like Zengő Motorsport, which has won races in the past, and I am very honoured to join the Honda Racing Family.”

The 22-year-old raced in Formula V8 3.5 last season, finishing fifth overall with three victories.

“Everything will be new for me this season and the goal will be to learn and gain experience quickly, in order to be able to fight at the top as soon as possible. I take this opportunity to thank my personal sponsors for their ongoing support and my manager, Didier Coton, for a job well done. I’m looking forward to starting the season and I hope my father has some good things to say about me when commentating on the WTCC on Eurosport France!”

Panis will race a Honda Civic WTCC for the team and becomes the first confirmed driver for the Hungarian team this season.

Last season saw Zengő Motorsport run two cars for Ferenc Ficza and Dániel Nagy.