Reigning TCR Europe champion Josh Files will make his debut in the WTCR this weekend at Motorland Aragon in Spain.
Files was called in by Engstler Motorsport to replace Nicky Catsburg, at the wheel of one of the German team’s Hyundai i30 N cars.
Catsburg had missed WTCR’s previous event at the Hungaroring and was expected to rejoin the championship in Spain but is unable to participate after testing positive for COVID-19; he has been quarantining at home since the results of his test and has so far only experienced mild symptoms.
Files won the 2019 TCR Europe crown diving a Hyundai run by Target Competition and had previously claimed titles in TCR Germany in 2016 and 2017, and TCR Middle East in 2018.
“It’s a late call up but I know the track from competing there seven years ago. WTCR is totally new to me but I know the Hyundai i30 N TCR well, having won the TCR Europe title with the car in 2019″
“I’m excited to make my debut and grateful to have the opportunity, despite the unfortunate circumstances. I’m looking forward to working with Engstler Motorsport and hope I can fight with the others at the top end of the field,” said Files.