John Filippi will race a Hyundai i30 N in this year’s TCR Europe series, with the Frenchman joining Target Competition for his second season in the regional championship.
Filippi, 25, took part in both Renault and CUPRA machinery in last year’s TCR Europe season, for Vuković Motorsport and PCR Sport respectively.
The Corsican failed to break into the top ten, securing a best finish of 11th in the first race at Monza.
Despite never having claimed a podium finish in top-level touring cars, where Filippi has been competing since he joined the 2014 World Touring Car Championship grid, the Frenchman believes he can challenge for top three results in 2020.
“This is a great opportunity for me, to be driving for Target and in a Hyundai,” said Filippi. “Back in February, before the pandemic, I had no plans to race in 2020, but when I was offered this opportunity, I didn’t hesitate and four days after I was testing the car for the first time.
“My feeling with the car was quite good after a few laps. The whole team have done a massive job during my test. They were very professional and helped me a lot after a long period without driving a racing car.
“This season we have very little time between the race weekends, with six events in three months, so we’ll need to work hard to be on the podium as soon as we can.
“Everybody knows the potential of the car, so I need to do my best and be quick from the start to fight for a front position next week at Le Castellet.”