Dutch racer Kobe Pauwels will switch from RallyCross to touring car racing when he joins Comtoyou Racing to take on the 2023 TCR Europe season in an Audi RS3 LMS TCR.
The 18-year-old is joining the Belgian team to make his international circuit racing début after having won the 2022 Euro RX3 title at the wheel of an Audi S1.
“I have to learn a lot of new things, such as tyre management and mastering the car,” said Pauwels. “It will be a very big challenge to perform well right from the start.
“I’m a rookie and many tracks are still unknown to me, but we have planned a solid test program before the season, so I can get used to the car, the tracks and the different conditions.
“First and foremost, I want to enjoy this year, and hopefully the good results will follow.
“This is made possible by my partners, big and small, that’s why I do everything I can to give them a cup, in exchange for their trust!”
Comtoyou Racing has already confirmed plans to field four cars in both the TCR Europe series and TCR World Tour in 2023.
“We are super happy and look forward to seeing Kobe in one of our Audis,” said Team Manager François Verbist. “We have already completed two tests together and Jean Michel [Baert, team owner] and I immediately saw great potential for success.
“With our race winning team spirit and Kobe’s talent we have a very strong combination! We want to keep our two titles of driver and constructors champion, that is our goal and to let the Belgian national anthem be heard as much as possible.
“There are certainly similarities with rallycross: both disciplines are characterised by a stationary start where the launch is very important.
“From the moment the lights go out to the finish it will be an exciting battle and we will fight for every position on the track.
“He also certainly takes this fighting spirit from his years of rallycross experience.”