Yann Ehrlacher, nephew of Yvan Muller, to race Lada Vesta

The nephew of four-time WTCC drivers’ champion Yvan Muller, Yann Ehrlacher, will race in this year’s championship in an ex-Lada Sport Vesta WTCC, run by the French team RC Motorsport.

The team have been testing the car, bought from the now defunct Lada Sport team, at their base in Magny-Cours today ahead of a planned two-car entry in the championship.

“This is such an amazing opportunity for me and I really can’t believe it’s happening,” said Ehrlacher, who’s also the son of ex-Exagon Motorsport team owner and former racing driver Cathy Muller.

“I’ve been really impressed with the car in testing and the team is working really hard too. Obviously there is a lot for me to learn and understand, but I know the team has valuable WTCC experience.”

WTCC promoter François Ribeiro said: “While we’re pleased a solution has been found for the race-winning Vestas to continue competing in the WTCC, we’re also very excited at the prospect of welcoming another talented rookie in Yann Ehrlacher, who has been trained by Yvan Muller, no less, and has been really fast in testing.

“Along with Aurélien Panis, the WTCC has two more young drivers with big potential and it will be interesting to watch their progress and performances in 2017 when I am sure they will both make their mark on the championship.”

RC Motorsport will confirm their second driver in the coming weeks.