GRM’S WTCR AIM

THE NEW technical alliance between Vukovic Motorsport and Garry Rogers Motorsport could introduce the Renault Megane RS TCR to the WTCR grid in its new Evo configuration due to debut next year.

By HEATH McALPINE

As revealed by autoaction.com.au, the alliance between the Swiss-based team headed by Milenko Vukovic will collaborate with GRM in designing the latest Evo version of the Renault Megane RS TCR developed using the recently released Trophy version of the model as its basis.

When questioned by Auto Action, GRM Director Barry Rogers revealed that WTCR was on the radar as Vukovic aim to expand its customer base heading into the new season.

“The number one thing is to get a really competitive package and not only competitive but even more so a reliable package,” Rogers said.

“If you get to that level, WTCR is the pinnacle of TCR so you have to have that target to where you want to get to and that’s certainly something that together we can get to that level.

“If we ran a wildcard and are successful there, you never know might happen.”

The new Evo version of the Megane RS TCR will feature a front-end designed by GRM, while testing has already been undertaken with the model’s new engine in a testing mule ahead of the planned homologation of the new car early next year.

Reliability is the main issue that will be addressed with the updated model although the two cars run out of the GRM stable this season have shown potential with both James Moffat and Chris Pither finishing on the podium a few times during TCR Australia’s inaugural season.

After GRM announced its withdrawal from the Supercars Championship in October, the team has ramped up its TCR involvement through a growing relationship with Renault Australia that is expected to include rebranding the squad to GRM Team Renault for 2020. A deal has also been completed that has awarded GRM the Australian and New Zealand distribution rights to the Renault Megane RS TCR on behalf of Vukovic Motorsport.

This adds to the Alfa Romeo program it runs in association with Ash Seward Motorsport and the recently confirmed Peugeot customer program.

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