SP Compétition has confirmed its drivers on its return to the TCR Europe Touring Car Series with Tom Chiappe and Mikhail Simonov to drive the team's two CUPRA Leons.

SP Compétition were title contenders right until the last moment in 2024, with Aurélien Comte narrowly missing out on a second European title. The team and Comte then competed in last year's Kumho FIA TCR World Tour, with Comte picking up three wins in a highly competitive season.

Returning to TCR Europe this year, the team run by former driver Sylvain Pussier fields a refreshed line-up for its new campaign.

26-year-old Tom Chiappe comes from a unique background in motorsport, having most recently competed in powerboat racing.

As well as winning the 2018 UIM F4 Powerboating World Championship, Chiappe is also a three-time champion in the SWS karting series, and most recently competed in the UIM E1 World Championship offshore powerboat racing series for Team Rafa, the team owned by 22-time ATP tennis Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal.

Joining him at the team will be 23-year-old racing driver Mikhail Simonov, who has two years of experience in his national touring series, claiming two consecutive titles in his first two seasons, as well as five race victories behind the wheel of a CUPRA Leon.

Simonov will bring his experience with him as he continues to compete in the latest CUPRA Leon VZ TCR in this year's TCR Europe series.

"I'm really happy to announce I will participate in the TCR Europe series with SP Compétition with CUPRA," said Chiappe. "I'm really excited to compete this year and I can't wait to be on track next weekend at Mugello,"

"It's an amazing feeling to be taking part in the TCR Europe series this year with SP Compétition," added Simonov. "And I can't wait for the first weekend at Mugello."