Jacopo Cimenes is to make his TCR début at Vallelunga next weekend in the FIA TCR World Tour, as the 18-year-old prepares to also take on a full season in TCR Italy with MM Motorsport.
Cimenes will be at the wheel of a JAS Motorsport-built Honda Civic Type-R FL5 TCR for his touring car début.
The Italian made his racing début at the age of eight, winning numerous go karting races. He only made his car racing début in 2022, when he took part in the Clio Cup and finished fourth overall last year.
“After two seasons in the Clio Cup, the natural step forward was TCR, and I couldn’t dream anything more than making my debut in the TCR World Tour,” said Cimenes, who is also to receive advice from tin-top stalwart Gabriele Tarquini.
“Debuting in the TCR World Tour in the presence of all the strongest in the world, on the weekend in which there will also be TCR Europe for a further competition of the highest level, it’s really priceless.
“I’m over the moon, but I must have my feet on the ground. We need to work a lot to fill the gap we have compared to the international stars; it won’t be easy, but we can make an impression.
“It will be a gradual growth race after race, I have to familiarize myself with my Honda but it would be nice to be able to fight for the top ten straight away and aim for some podiums over the course of the year [in TCR Italy].
“Dedication and sacrifice, as always in my career, will be the order of the season.
“With MM Motorsport I have found a great family of motorsport professionals with whom I can grow and give us a lot of satisfaction throughout the season.”