Australian driver Ben Bargwanna will enter the TCR Europe events at Portimão and Spa-Francorchamps in an extended programme for 2023 that will see the 21-year-old tackle a number of TCR World Tour events as well as returning to the TCR Australia series in which he scored his maiden race victory at Sandown in September 2022.

In TCR Australia, Bargwanna will again drive a Garry Rogers Motorsport Peugeot 308 TCR car and for his international foray, he will be in a similar car run by French outfit Team Clairet Sport, who are no strangers to the TCR Europe series. Brothers Jimmy and Teddy Clairet both tasted victory in the series on their way to finishing in the top 8 in the 2021 TCR Europe Drivers’ standings.

“When the World Tour format became public, and there was a hint of an opportunity to compete, it was something I wanted to be a part of,” said Ben. “For it now to become a reality has made me feel a foot taller with pride and excitement. The thought that I will represent Australia at World Championship level and to be able to have a crack at Algarve and Spa is mind blowing. I can’t wait to attack Eau Rouge, let me at it!”

Ben’s father and Team Principal, Jason Bargwanna, admits he is very proud of seeing his son’s plans to take on international Touring Car racing come to fruition.

“Team Clairet Sport was a clear and easy choice for our international campaign and allows us to stay with the Peugeot brand in a competitive outfit. It is a team we already have a connection with after Bathurst last year when Teddy Clairet joined GRM for the Bathurst International,” said Jason. “On paper, the Peugeot 308 TCR may be a little outgunned on the world stage, but the experience will be invaluable, and when they all come to Bathurst in November … look out!”

Photo: TCR Australia