British driver Josh Files has signed with his former team, Target Competition, for the 2019 TCR Europe season. When the pair last raced together in 2017 they took success by winning the ADAC TCR Germany drivers’ and teams’ championships for the second year in a row.
The 28 year old, currently residing in Norwich, will enter his second year in the TCR Europe championship. In 2018 he scored a win and numerous podium finishes which lead to him ultimately securing 6th in the Drivers Standings.
This year will see him switch to the Hyundai i30 N TCR car having previously raced and won his titles at the helm of the Honda Civic Type R built by JAS Motorsport.
“I am super excited!” exclaimed Files “This year will be the hardest ever; that I am sure of given the level of drivers entering into the series. I have the ultimate confidence in Target Competition to provide me with a race winning car, now it’s down to me to get the job done!”
“Of course I am happy to be returning back to them, this is the team that I won my two German championships with after all, so it’s like returning home in some respects. However I must shout out to JAS motorsport as I have enjoyed 3 successful years driving the Honda, which has ultimately lead to this opportunity. I must also thank AirWalk for their continued support for what I’m sure is going to be a mega season!”
Target Competition enjoyed a number of race wins in 2018 and finished the season second in the teams’ championship and third in the drivers’ title. “For us it’s important to have someone like Josh back in the team. We’ve known him a long time and we know what he is capable of. With Dusan, Mato and the Backmans also, we are making our intentions clear this year!” said Andreas Gummerer, team principal at Target Competition.
Files went on to say “It’s a completely new challenge for me. I have to learn a new car, I have new team mates and the competition is harder than ever. The good news is though, not only do I know the team well, but for the first time ever I can say that I have raced at all of the tracks that we go to!”
“I can’t wait for the season to get started now. Roll on Hungary....”
The first round of the 2019 TCR Europe season kicks off at the end of April at the Hungaroring circuit, just outside of Budapest, as a support to the FIA WTCR. Six other race meetings throughout Europe will ensue, with the finale coming at the temple of speed, Monza, at the start of October.
Calendar
27/28 April – Hungaroring
25/26 May – Hockenheim
8/9 June – Spa-Francorchamps
13/14 July – Red Bull Ring
3/4 August – Oschersleben
21/22 September – Barcelona
12/13 October – Monza