René Kircher will return to TCR competition at the Red Bull Ring this weekend, after almost a year away, when he gets behind the wheel of a Honda Civic Type-R run by ALM Motorsport.
Kircher, 25, was a regular in TCR Germany between 2019 and 2022, initially with Racing One before joining Team Engstler for the 2020 and 2021 campaigns in a Volkswagen Golf.
His best season was in 2022, in a Hyundai run by ROJA Motorsport, when he finished fifth overall in the standings.
For 2023 Kircher switched to TCR Eastern Europe with the demise of the German series, enjoying his strongest season to-date with two victories on his way to the runner-up position in the drivers’ standings.
Kircher continued with Mertel Motorsport in TCR Eastern Europe last year, finishing three times on the podium and ending the year fifth. He also took part in the FIA Motorsport Games for Team Germany in a Honda Civic FL5, but retired from the race.
“I am super excited to start in TCR Europe at the Red Bull Ring with ALM Motorsport,” said Kircher. “It’s going to be a tough weekend but together with the team I am ready for the challenge.”
ALM Team Principal Martin Laur is looking forward to working with the German alongside regular driver Ruben Volt.
“We are pleased to welcome René to ALM Motorsport,” said Laur. “He is one of the greatest young talents in touring car racing. We’re looking forward to build his confidence in the car and the team throughout the weekend.
“The European TCR level is really high, so it is not easy but we’ll give our all to provide him a soft landing and environment where he feels good.”