Bryan Ortiz has become the first confirmed driver for the all-new Mazda3 TCR and will drive it in the 2020 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.

“To have this opportunity that Mazda has given me is a huge honour,” said Ortiz.

“Mazda gives aspiring drivers an opportunity that no other company does, and that’s to advance to the next step in their career.”

The 31-year-old Puerto Rican is the reigning champion of the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup in the ND2 class and has previous TCR experience, driving a Volkswagen Golf GTI for Copeland Motorsport in the 2018 Pirelli World Challenge.

“Now that I am the Global MX-5 Cup champion, I’m proud to represent Mazda and have the trust of the company to race the new Mazda3 TCR. Now, I’m focused on working with everyone at Mazda Motorsports to be ready to the first race at Daytona in January,” said Ortiz