Gianni Morbidelli will partner Fabrizio Giovanardi in the FIA world Touring Car Cup (WTCR) in 2018, racing a Reomeo Ferraris-built Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCR for Team Mulsanne.

Morbidelli, 51, has been a long-term supporter of TCR and spent the past three seasons racing in the TCR International Series with WestCoast Racing, where he secured six race victories.

The Italian will partner compatriot Giovanardi in 2018, with Hexathron race engineer Marco Calovolo also bringing his extensive experience to the team, whilst Nicolò Castello will join to manage the marketing department.

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“I am extremely happy and honoured to be back at the top level of world touring car racing, and to do it at the wheel of an Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCR by Romeo Ferraris, sporting the logo of such a prestigious brand,” said Morbidelli.

“It will be a championship of the highest level, with many great teams and drivers, and this makes the challenge even more exciting. I wish to thank Team Mulsanne for their trust and for giving me this great opportunity, as well as Niki International for their valuable support and for making all this possible.”

Romeo Ferraris Operations Manager Michela Cerruti is hoping that the experience of having Morbidelli and Giovanardi – with a combined age of 102 – will lead to success in WTCR.

“We are very pleased to have Gianni joining us alongside Fabrizio Giovanardi,” said Cerruti. “Without any doubt, they form the most expert driver pair of the series, and this is exactly what we need to demonstrate our car’s potential.

“Team Mulsanne is back to racing after one year and to maximise its possibilities at such a competitive level, Romeo Ferraris has opted to ensure the services of two well-known professionals such as Marco Calovolo and Nicolò Castello, respectively in the technical and marketing areas.”

WTCR Promoter François Ribeiro added: “Gianni Morbidelli not only brings important experience and expertise to Team Mulsanne, he also represents another top-level and high-profile driver for WTCR. He will form a strong partnership with Fabrizio Giovanardi.”