Turkish driver joins Turkish race
Turkish motorsport fans have another reason to attend the FIA WTCC rounds at the new Istanbul Park: the participation of a local driver. Erkut Kizilirmak will be at the wheel of a GR Asia SEAT Toledo Cupra car, alongside Independents’ Trophy title contender Tom Coronel.
The 36 year old Kizilirmak began his motorsport activity in 1992 as rally co-pilot, then become a car racing driver in 1996. Last year he was runner up in the 1.6-litre Class of the Turkish Touring Car Championship with an Opel Corsa. In the current season he his driving an Opel Astra Coupé (Yvan Muller’s former BTCC car) in the 2.0-litre class, leading the Turkish championship with three wins in three races.
When asked about his expectations of the race, Erkut makes it clear that this year’s Istanbul race is most of all about having the opportunity to get a good feeling of the FIA WTCC competition.