Tim Slade replaces Fabian Coulthard who has tested positive for COVID

Tim Slade will make his TCR Australia debut this weekend at Bathurst, replacing Fabian Colthard who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Slade faces a steep learning curve as he gets behind the wheel of the Stan Sport Wall Racing-prepared Honda Civic Type R TCR.

“I cut a few laps on Ash Seward’s Alfa at Winton in 2020, and I was looking at the potential of doing some races, but COVID put paid to that,” said Slade.

“Now I’ve got the opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it – especially at Mount Panorama.

“Bathurst is a lot different to Winton, and I am not sure how different the Honda is to the Alfa. So, I’ve got no real expectations for the weekend. I’ll just do the job that Wallie (David Wall) and his team ask of me, get comfortable in the car as soon as I can and see how it goes.”

Colthard is placed fourth overall after the first two events of the 2022 season, trailing points leader and team-mate Tony D’Alberto by 26 points.

“It’s a shame that Fabs isn’t available for it, but great that I get the chance in the Stan Sport entry. They are the host broadcaster, so I’ll be doing my best to represent them at the best level I can,” said Slade.

”There are only two half hour practice sessions. You can kind of afford to have a muck up at Winton, but at Bathurst, you can’t do that. It might be a bit of a slow learning process, but I’m sure I’ll get up to speed fast enough.”