Four rising stars join development program
Junior drivers are the future of motorsport, and we believe we can help them reach their full potential. Our Customer Racing department will expand its successful program to support up-and-coming drivers in Junior Teams in 2023.
Having recently confirmed our commitment to rising rallying stars, we are pleased to confirm the four drivers who will compete in our challengers in highly competitive TCR series.
“The support of our Junior Teams initiative at the racetrack and throughout the season should provide the crucial boost to these drivers, not just for 2023, but in their future careers too,” said Andrea Cisotti, our Customer Racing Manager.
Sights set on the target
Target Competition will run two Elantra N TCR cars in TCR Italy; South Korean Junui Park and Italian Marco Butti, both just 17-years-old, will be the two drivers representing our program.
This year will mark Junui’s first season racing in Europe. He arrives in Italy after winning the 2022 Avante N Cup; this victory impressed a panel containing no other than Andrea and WTCR 2018 winner Gabriele Tarquini, leading to his call up to TCR Italy.
Marco is no stranger to the series or our challengers, having competed in one of our i30 N TCR cars last year. He also managed to claim several victories in TCR Europe in 2022. This year will be his first campaign in an Elantra N TCR.
Backing the Brits
Whether it’s an i30 N TCR or a Veloster N TCR, the success our cars in TCR UK has left its mark. This year, race-winning Brits Alex Ley and Bradley Kent join our roster of Junior Drivers.
2022 was Alex’s debut season in TCR competition – and what a year it was. He became the youngest-ever winner in only his second weekend before going on to win two more – the most of any driver on the grid that season. He will race for Daniel James Motorsport in 2023 in the very same i30 N TCR.
Bradley Kent follows in the footsteps of older brother Lewis, and will be tackling TCR UK in a Veloster N TCR with Essex and Kent Motorsport. 2023 marks Bradley’s third season in the championship, where he has three race victories to his name.
Guidance from Gabriele
As well as the support from our Customer Racing department, our Junior Drivers have already been testing in Italy with some of our highly experienced customers.
Gabriele will act as a driver mentor for all four rising stars, who will also take part in media and fitness training opportunities in a bid to develop the full range of skills needed for a professional racing career.
“We know that while TCR Italy and TCR UK are incredibly competitive, our cars have the strength to contend for race wins and championship titles,” added Andrea.
TCR UK will kick start at Snetterton on April 8th, with TCR Italy following at Imola on April 21st.
