TCR Australia organisers have announced a swap of tyre suppliers for the 2023 season.
The Australian series will move in line with the new TCR World Tour in running Kumho tyres as part of a multi-year arrangement, having previously been aligned with Michelin.
Kumho began work on a bespoke TCR tyre in 2021 and will supply various competitions worldwide.
“This was an important step for TCR Australia to make to fall in line with other major TCR categories around the world,” said Australian Racing Group head of category operations Ben McMellan.
“Switching to Kumho means our drivers will have exactly the same compound and construction of tyre that the TCR World Tour teams will be using when they race here later this year.
“It also means that if our drivers or teams want to compete internationally, they are likely to have the same level of tyre knowledge.
“I’d like to extend a huge thanks to Michelin who have been a terrific supporter of TCR in Australia.
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“They have been supportive and understanding through the past four years and we thank them for their commitment.”
The TCR World Tour will include two Australian rounds, one of which will headline the Bathurst International.
“It is fantastic to welcome TCR Australia to the Kumho tyre family for 2023 and beyond,” said Race Tyres International CEO Rene Quintaneiro.
“TCR has emerged as one of the powerhouse racing categories all around the world, and the work that ARG has done to make the Australia series one of the most competitive in the world is a real credit to their crew and teams.
“This new deal aligns TCR Australia with the TCR World Tour and many other TCR markets around the world, so it will make any transition for its drivers or team a lot easier.
“We have had great feedback from all TCR categories around the Kumho racing tyre and we are looking forward to getting the first batches down to Australia for the first round in February.”
The season-opener will take place at Symmons Plains across February 24-26.
