Target Competition to run Honda Civic TCR for at least two races

2015 teams’ champions Target Competion will return to the TCR International Series this weekend, running a Honda Civic TCR for Jordi Oriola. The team had started the season running two Opel Astra TCRs for the Spaniard and Andrea Belicchi, but the German manufacturer decided to step back from racing to focus on the development of the car.

As a result, Target were left with no car to run, and decided in agreement with Opel to contest at least the races of Italy and Austria with a different car, as reported yesterday by TouringCarTimes: “Following the decision taken by Opel Motorsport to have a break from racing and focusing on testing to develop the Astra TCR, we have been looking for an alternative solution that could enable Jordi to rejoin the championship,” said Target team manager Walter Gummerer. “Now the plan is to race at Imola and Salzburg with the Honda. Afterwards we will reconsider the situation according to any further developments.”

Jordi Oriola has never even tested the Civic TCR, which means the Spaniard’s approach to the race will be focused on getting used to the car: “The agreement we reached with Opel Motorsport will allow both Target Competition and myself to continue participating in the TCR International Series,” said Oriola. “I am going into the weekend without any expectations, as it will be my first contact with the Honda Civic TCR. I know it is a very quick car, but I have no other goals but to get used to the car and at the same time try to score points for the championship.”

The situation will be re-evaluated after the race in Austria at Salzburg, which means Opel’s comeback might be scheduled for their home race at Oschersleben, Germany.