Thai driver Kantadhee Kusiri was delighted after winning the 2017 TCR Asia Series title after a strong weekend at the season finale at Zhejiang in China.

The Engstler Motorsport driver won the first race in the TCR Asia class, although he was fourth on the road behind three of the TCR China entries, while a considered drive to fourth in Race 2 was enough to secure him the crown.

“My priority for the final two races was to collect as much points as I possibly could to aim for the championships,” said Kusiri. “The victory in the first race of the weekend took the pressure away from me which allowed me to just drive the car safely home for the final race.

“Taking the podium in third and being crowned the champion was more than enough for a season that was both challenging, satisfying and really fun. Thank you to the team for a great year.”

Kusiri succeeds Andy Yan as the champion, with Yan also winning the title with Engstler, but not returning to defend his title, focussing on his TCR China programme with the NewFaster team and his CTCC campaign with Changan Ford FRD Team instead.

“We are so proud to announce once again, our title in the TCR Asia Series,” said Engstler manager Kurt Treml. “This 2017 season was not an easy one with great competitors, but the outstanding teamwork shown by each and every member of our race family including the fantastic support from our partners ensured us this win.”