Nicki Thiim looking forward to touring car debut after late call-up

Nicki Thiim will make his TCR series debut and first race in eight-years in front-wheel driven machinery this weekend at the fourth round of the new-for-2015 series, driving the Audi TT of Liqui Moly Team Engstler after a last minute call-up.

The sports car regular and Porsche Supercup expert has dominated the weekend so far, fastest of all in the Friday test session and has been on top in the first free practice sessions in the Audi TT, which is currently running at 1,230kg of weight thanks to the Balance of Performance measures introduced last weekend in Valencia.

“I got the call Thursday evening that I had to come here and I didn’t even know what I had to drive,” said Thiim to TouringCarTimes. “They just told me it was a front-wheel driven TT. It’s been eight years since I’ve driven a front-wheel drive car, but it was good, we had a test day yesterday so I could get used to the car. I’ve changed a lot on the car compared to how it was before, and we seem to have good pace, so I’m really looking forward to racing against the guys here.”

The Dane principally competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship for Aston Martin Racing, but admits the much shorter, 60km two-race format of the TCR Series will be something quite new for him.

“Normally I’m in GT, so to drive a front-wheel drive car is quite a big change, and you don’t have all the aero and the speed. It’s really fun and touring car is always good for close races, so I’m looking forward to some good fights in the races.”