The Audi Sport Leopard Lukoil team have presented their livery for the 2018 FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) season, where Gordon Shedden and Jean-Karl Vernay are expected to battle for the title.
With the support of Audi Sport Customer Racing, the WRT-run outfit will enter a brace of Audi RS3 LMS cars for Shedden and Vernay.
Having clinched the 2016 and 2017 TCR International Series titles in Volkswagen Golf GTi machinery, in 2018 WRT are hoping to continue their run of form with Audi and new partners Lukoil.
“I’m really happy to be part of the team again,” said defending TCR International champion Vernay. “There are some prestigious partners on board and I am sure we can do some great things with the new Audi.
“I think it’s going to be an exciting season, it’s all brand new. The championship is at a really high level, probably the best for the last ten years. We will have to work hard and mark sure we are ready for the first race on this new exciting calendar, going back to Argentina, Japan and some great tracks in Europe.
“I’m very happy with everything and have some good guys along with me on the team with Gordon. We have to work well together and then get ready to fight against the other guys, I can’t wait for the first race in Marrakech!”
Racing on the world stage for Shedden marks a significant departure from his previous background in racing, with the three-time British Touring Car Champion expecting a big challenge in 2018, having spent the past 12 consecutive season in the BTCC.
“I’m definitely looking forward to the 2018 season and joining the Audi Sport Leopard Lukoil Team in the all-new WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup,” added the Scot. “It’s fantastic that the FIA are involved and a huge challenge for me to join this championship.
“I couldn’t ask for a better team to join and with the new Audi RS 3 LMS. The link up with Lukoil looks like a really exciting combination. I can’t wait to get in the car.”