Gabriele Covini will join the TCR Europe grid for the final two events of the season at the Red Bull Ring and Barcelona, as the 19-year-old makes his début in the series.
Covini made his TCR début in TCR Italy at the start of the 2024 season with BRC Racing, with the young Italian ending the year 15th overall in his Hyundai Elantra, having scored a best finish of eighth.
He has continued in TCR Italy this season with an improvement in his results, with Covini currently eighth in the drivers’ standings and having finished on the cusp of a podium at Vallelunga in May.
“I’m thrilled to be able to participate in TCR Europe,” said Covini. “It won’t be easy considering both circuits and tires are completely new to me.
“I’m preparing the best I can to be ready to adapt quickly to all the new features of TCR Europe, with the main goal of continuing to grow.”
Covini is currently receiving mentoring from touring car legend Gabriele Tarquini, who acted as Team Manager for BRC Racing.
“We’re thrilled to be expanding Gabriele’s program with us,” said Gabriele Rizzo, Team Principal of the Cherasco-based team.
“After a strong showing in the first four TCR Italy races, culminating in his pole position at Imola, it was logical to finalize his participation in the final two TCR Europe races.
“Gabriele’s career path is consistent with the excellent potential he’s shown from the beginning with us, and the entire team is extremely motivated to support him as best as possible on this journey of growth.”
The TCR Europe grid will be at a 26-car capacity for the Red Bull Ring event, with Giacomo Ghermandi joining and Jacopo Cimenes continuing in the field.