Photo: WTCR

Néstor Girolami to make Australian debut with Wall Racing

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Wall Racing will contest the upcoming Sandown round of the TCR Australia series with the help of Argentinian star and World Touring Car Cup front-runner Néstor Girolami.

Stepping in to the team’s third Honda Civic Type R FK8 TCR, Girolami will take the helm of the #38 after Tim Brook campaigned the car at Winton Motor Raceway, recording a best finish of ninth in the weekend’s opening race.

Girolami brings a wealth of experience to his first races in Australia, currently sitting fourth in the World Touring Car Cup after taking three wins so far this season.

In a deal struck between Wall Racing and JAS Motorsport, Honda’s constructor for TCR machines, Girolami will be joined by engineers from JAS so both he and Wall Racing get the most out of the round.

Speaking on today’s announcement, Girolami said he’s eager to experience new tracks in Australia and work with a race-winning team in Wall Racing.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to race in TCR Australia,” said Girolami.

“I’ve never driven at any Australian circuits before and I’m looking forward to this new experience at Sandown.

“Wall Racing is an excellent team and already race winners this season and I’m sure I can work well together with John and Tony to deliver some good results, but it won’t be easy because the level is very high with many top drivers with experience of Supercars and GT racing and some promising young drivers.

“I know the Honda Civic Type R TCR very well, but the Michelin tyres are new for me, so getting used to the way this makes the car handle will be the big challenge initially.”

Team owner David Wall says that having a factory driver from Honda in one of his cars will rub off on his two full-time drivers as well as the team.

“To have the factory driver out here is fantastic for us,” said Wall.

“I’ve been working with Néstor for a while now to try and get something going. He has heard a lot about the Australian series and has been keen to see what it’s all about.

“He needs no introduction to these cars and has a great range of experience right across the world.

“Hopefully we can hit the ground running for Sandown and get him straight up the front and, no doubt, it’s going to have a positive effect on our regular drivers Tony (D’Alberto) and John (Martin).”

The Sandown round of TCR Australia begins next Friday.