Hyundai Motorsport has confirmed that it will make the move into circuit racing for the first time with the development of a new car designed to TCR regulations.

The car will be based on the latest generation of the popular i30, which was launched last year, and has been under development at Hyundai’s German base since September.

The TCR machine will be the latest car to come out of Hyundai’s Customer Racing department after the latest incarnation of the i20 R5-spec rally car, and signals the continued expansion of a motorsport arm established back in 2012 when the Korean manufacturer started work on it’s return to the World Rally Championship.

“The beginning of our first project specifically for circuit racing is a very important step for Hyundai Motorsport,” team principal Michel Nandan said. “The TCR regulations have proven incredibly successful, and are being embraced by a growing number of series around the world.

“By representing Hyundai in these championships our TCR car will promote the manufacturer in motorsport, together with our WRC and R5 projects. The coming months will be very busy for the Customer Racing department, with the TCR development running alongside the continuing support of our existing customers.

“I know, though, that we will create a strong car for an increasingly competitive category. Let’s look forward to seeing it on TCR starting grids.”

TCR promoter Marcello Lotti was understandably happy to see Hyundai added to the long list of manufacturers now involved in the series.

“We are delighted to welcome Hyundai into the ever-growing TCR family,” he said. “The arrival of the Korean manufacturer adds even more prestige to a long list of famous brands that have decided to embrace the TCR concept and compete with their production models in an expanding number of racing series worldwide. We can’t wait to see them join the International Series where we believe that they will be competitive straight away.”

Testing of the Hyundai i30 TCR is due to begin in the spring, with delivery to customer teams before the end of the year in time for the start of the 2018 season.