Reigning Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series champion Tony D’Alberto will boast a new Honda Civic Type R FL5 TCR for the two Kumho TCR World Tour Series events later this year.
The Wall Racing team secured the car from Honda’s homologation team JAS Motorsport, with D’Alberto to get behind the wheel of the new challenger for the first time at the Shannons SpeedSeries rounds at Sydney Motorsport Park and Bathurst International rounds.
The new Honda has demonstrated front-running form during its short stint in international TCR racing and other series worldwide thus far in 2023 – including a third-place finish at the inaugural TCR World Tour event.
Some key features on the new Honda Civic include an updated exterior that improves downforce levels, a new chassis for enhanced corner stability and greater driving safety, as well as an updated brake package and new transmission.
Team owner, David Wall was thrilled to introduce the new car to the category and expresses his desire to eventually return to three entries.
“Having the new Honda Civic Type R TCR is a very exciting proposition for our team,” Wall said.
“Wall Racing was one of the first teams to commit to TCR, and now we are in the next phase and bringing a new car in, which is great news for all parties.
“We are in regular contact with JAS Motorsport, and they are giving a lot of information about the cars. We are also in touch with Nestor, and he is really enthusiastic about the performance of the cars, as well as its comfortability.
“It’s great for our team that we can upgrade to the current spec car at the start of the model’s lifecycle and we are looking forward to having it for the tail end of the season.
“The plan for our team is to return to three Honda TCR entries. For us, it’s the perfect number and we hope to make another announcement on this in the near future.”
D’Alberto echoed Wall’s comments and looks forward to debuting the car in the latter stages of the year.
“It’s great for Wall Racing, Honda and myself to have a brand-new Civic Type R enter the series,” said D’Alberto.
“From Honda Australia’s point of view it makes a lot more sense to be racing the car that is based on the FL5 road car. You don’t get many opportunities to race new cars in your career so it will be really special to debut this car later in the year.
“From all reports, the new Civic is just a little nicer in all areas, so I really can’t wait to get my hands on it. It is perfect timing too – right ahead of the TCR World Tour for the final two rounds at Sydney and Bathurst.”
The 37-year-old will continue to run his title-winning Honda Civic Type R FK8 TCR next month at Queensland Raceway before making the swap, which the old car to go to Wall Racing rookie Brad Harris as he continues to rise up the field in his Exclusive Switchboards-backed entry.
D’Alberto, Harris and Wall Racing will line-up in their current cars in the next round of the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series at Queensland Raceway on 11-13 August.
