Kiwi Jono Lester will reunite with HubAuto Racing for the 2022 TCR Taiwan championship, partnering Team Principal Morris Chen in the new Audi RS3 LMS.
Lester scored two wins and three podiums for the team in 2018, partnering Nick Foster in a Ferrari 488 in Blancpain GT Series Asia. The move into TCR touring cars presents a fresh new challenge for both Lester and the HubAuto team.
The second-generation Audi RS3 LMS has been selected as the machine to power HubAuto Racing in their inaugural TCR campaign – the first of this highly touted new model to be raced within Asia.
For Lester, the opportunity marks his return to international competition after more than two years domiciled in his native New Zealand due to COVID travel restrictions.
The 32-year will line up on the grid for this weekend’s opening round at the Lihpao International Circuit with renewed vigour and enthusiasm after, in his own words, “having my wings clipped” during the pandemic.
The 2022 TCR Taiwan calendar comprises a series of 60-minute, two driver races. Thirteen cars make up the TCR class at the opening round.
QUOTES – Jono Lester
“I’m grateful to HubAuto for the opportunity to return to Asia in 2022 and continue doing what I love – driving amazing race cars at amazing circuits alongside talented people.
“I’ve not raced a touring car before, but I did test for FIA WTCR team Romeo Ferraris in an Alfa Romeo a few years ago and it left a lasting impression. The category offers a different style of racing that I’m excited to experience.
“I’ve been putting in the hours on HubAuto’s simulator since arriving to Taiwan to acclimatise to the new car and 23-turn Lihpao circuit, to ensure we hit the ground running on race week.”
