WTCR News: Morbidelli Behind the Wheel of Alfa Romeo

Gianni Morbidelli confirmed today that he will be Team Mulsanne’s driver of Romeo Ferraris-prepared Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCR in the 2018 WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup.

Morbidelli’s entry to the new touring car competition has been announced just a day after another Italian racing veteran Fabrizio Giovanardi was confirmed as Alfa Romeo driver.

The 50-year-old Morbidelli and 51-year-old Giovanardi will form the oldest pair in the inaugural WTCR season but the oldest driver would be the 56-year-old Gabriele Tarquini, who will drive Hyundai i30 N TCR for BRC Racing Team.

Gianni Morbidelli spent the previous three seasons in the TCR International Series

Morbidelli spent the previous three seasons in the TCR International Series, driving Honda Civic and Volkswagen Golf for WestCoast Racing and scoring six wins. He raced in the World Touring Car Championship in 2006 with Alfa Romeo and in 2014 with Chevrolet Cruze. Between those two WTCC episodes he spent five seasons in the Superstars Series, becoming the champion in 2009 and 2013.

Back in the 1990s, Morbidelli was Formula One driver who recorded 67 F1 Championship starts with five teams.

Morbidelli won six races in three seasons which he spent in the TCR International Series

“I am extremely happy and honoured to be back at the top level of world touring car racing, and to do it at the wheel of an Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCR by Romeo Ferraris, sporting the logo of such a prestigious brand. It will be a championship of the highest level, with many great teams and drivers, and this makes the challenge even more exciting. I wish to thank Team Mulsanne for their trust and for giving me this great opportunity, as well as Niki International for their valuable support and for making all this possible,” said Gianni Morbidelli.

“We are very pleased to have Gianni joining us alongside Fabrizio Giovanardi. Without any doubt, they form the most expert driver pair of the series, and this is exactly what we need to demonstrate our car’s potential. Team Mulsanne is back to racing after one year and to maximise its possibilities at such a competitive level, Romeo Ferraris has opted to ensure the services of two well-known professionals such as Marco Calovolo and Nicolò Castello, respectively in the technical and marketing areas,” said Michela Cerruti, the Operations Manager of Romeo Ferraris.

Photos: fiawtcr.com,