Photo: WestCoast Racing

WestCoast Racing confirm three drivers for 2016 TCR International Series

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Swedish team WestCoast Racing has confirmed its three drivers for the 2016 TCR International Series. Gianni Morbidelli and Kevin Gleason continue with the team, with addition of Finnish driver Aku Pellinen in three upgraded Honda Civic TCR race cars.

”It feels great to welcome back both Gianni Morbidelli and Kevin Gleason to WestCoast Racing,” said team manager James Nixon. “We are also pleased to be starting a new collaboration with young Finnish driver, Aku Pellinen, who I have been watching closely in recent years.”

Morbidelli fought for the title last year but ended in fourth position overall with three victories.

“It’s a great pleasure to be back in the WestCoast Racing team for a second year – I feel like I am at home here,” said Morbidelli. “WestCoast Racing and I have one goal and that is to win. We now have a more complete package with the addition of Aku (Pellinen) and I have no doubt that he, Kevin and me will all be giving the maximum to be on top in what I’m sure will be another enjoyable year for us all.”

Team-mate Gleason made his international touring car debut in the championship last year and impressed by finishing fifth overall with two victories.

“I’m thrilled to be back with WestCoast Racing for a second season, as this is the first time in my career that I’ve remained with one team for more than one year. As opposed to last year, the team has quite a few testing miles under its belt and we should be able to hit the ground running when we get to Bahrain,” said Gleason.

Pellinen is a former Trofeo Abarth 500 Europe Champion, finished third in the 2014 FI ETCC Single Make Trophy and drove in the Porsche Carrera Cup Italy last year to finish 7th overall.

“This is quite a big step in my career and my first experience of racing outside of Europe, but it’s a good opportunity in a series that is growing at a surprisingly fast rate. It’s a real opportunity to spread my wings and, while I’ve only completed a handful of laps in the Honda Civic TCR, I’m confident it will suit me well. I’ve driven a lot of front-wheel-drive cars in my career and I know where my strengths lie and where I need to improve,” said Pellinen.