Teddy Clairet, the 2025 TCR Europe Touring Car Series runner-up, will make his return next weekend at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, racing an Audi RS 3 LMS for a new team to the series, Vannin Motorsport, with Luke Sargeant making his TCR Europe debut on the same weekend.

After narrowly missing out on the title last year, on account of a tiebreak on the number of second-place finishes, Clairet made his move along with his brother Jimmy to join the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour on its European leg.

Teddy's campaign ended with a sensational victory on the world stage in only his second FIA touring car weekend at his home circuit of Paul Ricard. That was Teddy Clairet's last race outing, as he now returns to the series where he's made 52 race starts since 2018, one of the longest-serving drivers in the category.

Clairet will be racing with a new team to the series, Vannin Motorsport. The UK-based team will be the only British team on the grid, and with experience in the TCR UK championship, where they've had recent successes with Adam Shepherd, the team has expanded its programme this year to include the TCR Spain championship and the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour.

The team's second driver is also a TCR UK graduate, Luke Sargeant. Sargeant scored points on his TCR World Tour debut earlier this year at Valencia, and has a long association with the team, and is familiar with the Audi Sport customer racing car, having made the switch in 2024.

Teddy Clairet:

"Of course I’m really happy to be back on the grid! It won't be easy as it will only be my third race weekend of the season, so I've not done a lot of mileage.

"I know the car from last year, and the track from 2024. We come to this race with the support of Vannin Motorsport which I want to thank, especially Peppe. It will be their first outing in Europe but they have experience in TCR series, so all-in-all, we want to do a good job, but I also know how strong the grid is once again, and we will also carry 20kg of compensation weight. We try to work as best as possible together, and we're more than ready to give it our all."

Luke Sargeant:

"I'm really looking forward to making my TCR Europe debut, and to race at Monza. It'll also be incredible to work alongside an experienced and skilled driver like Teddy. It's another new iconic track for me to learn, so my expectations are to learn, gain experience, and above all have a good, fun weekend."

Peppe Planeta (Team Principal):

"Having our first go at TCR Europe is an exciting time for the team. Having competed in the FIA TCR World Tour this year, as well as in numerous national TCR series, the opportunity to compete in Europe was one we couldn’t pass up.

"I don’t think Teddy needs much of an introduction to the championship. His past results speak for themselves. Having known Teddy for the last year or so, the opportunity to get him back out in an Audi is something we’re really excited about.

"We know what he’s capable of and it’ll be great to have him back racing in the championship.

"It’ll also be Luke’s first taste of TCR Europe, which I think will be a really good experience for him. He’s had plenty of time in TCR machinery now, but stepping into what is arguably the strongest TCR field we’ve seen in recent years will be another level and a great opportunity for him to see where he’s at.

"We’re really excited to get both cars out there and see what we can do."