PMA Motorsport will launch its first full-time programme in the TCR Europe series this year, fielding a pair of Audi RS 3 LMSs for 2024 TCR Italy champion Nic Taylor, and front-runner Felice Jelmini.

Taylor made his TCR debut only last year, and secured the highly-competitive TCR Italy drivers’ title in his first season in down-to-the-wire battle. Taylor also made a one-off appearance at the TCR Europe season finale at Valencia last year, and with the Modena-based PMA Motorsport team, will compete for the full season this year.

“I’m really excited to join the TCR Europe grid and go up against some of the best TCR drivers in the world,” said Taylor. I don’t have many expectations, I just want to focus on maximising my performance with the car to the best of my current abilities.

“Considering I will be learning new tracks again this year, with the exception of Misano, it won’t be easy. However I have confidence in myself and with my team, PMA Motorsport, and with all of the incredible work we have been focused on together behind the scenes.”

The Italian champion is setting himself modest expectations, given the strong field this year. The 19-year-old will also be eligible for the young drivers’ trophy, for competitors aged 21 and under.

“I am hoping to get into the top three this year, given my success last year in Italy. I think it’s only fair that I aim for the top. Of course there is the benefit of the young driver title, but I am at the point where it is much more meaningful for my future and my career to focus on overall titles. I’m really excited to see what we can do together as a team, racing in the complete championship on some of the most prestigious tracks in the world - I can’t wait to get started!”

Returning to the series and PMA Motorsport will be Felice Jelmini, who enjoyed much success with the team in the TCR Italy championship. The 29-year-old Italian scored three podium finishes driving for Sébastien Loeb Racing and Target Competition in 2021-2022. Since then, Jelmini has also progressed to GT competition, driving in the GT World Challenge Europe series.

“I am very happy to come back to TCR Europe, it’s such a high level championship and I’m glad to challenge myself with touring cars, and especially to be back with PMA Motorsport, where there is a very strong relationship we’ve had for several years,” said Jelmini.

“I know that we can do a great job. For sure I just have to learn from Nic and the team, which has made great progress in the last couple of years so I will try to do my best and give my support. Unfortunately I won’t be able to join all races due to clashes with GT World Challenge. Anyway I can’t wait to start the season in Portimão!”

Team principal Matteo Ansaloni added: 

“We are super excited to join the TCR Europe series this year. So far we can say that it will be a super-competitive year. The level of drivers is very high and the calendar is amazing. I think this is a great year to join this championship, especially for Nic; he will have the opportunities to measure himself with a higher level and race at iconic circuits. As always we will be doing our best to gain the best results possible.

“We are also happy to have Felice with us once again. We competed for two years in TCR Italy with him, but to join TCR Europe together is something we hoped for a long time. Finally it’s happening and we will try to do our best together.”