*German will be youngest racer aged 19 years, two months and four days *Building experience targeted over outright results *Engstler brings TCR title-winning pedigree to #WTCR2019SUPERGRID
Learning will be key for Luca Engstler when the German teenager makes his debut in the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup presented by OSCARO in Slovakia next week.
The 19-year-old has secured a wildcard entry for WTCR Race of Slovakia from 10-12 May and will compete in a Hyundai i30 N TCR under the Team Engstler banner.
Currently racing in TCR Europe, Engstler is a winner of the TCR Asia, Malaysia and Middle East series titles and is highly rated, while his father, Franz, enjoyed success in the FIA World Touring Car Championship.
“I’m more than happy and proud to race at the Slovakia Ring in the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup presented by OSCARO,” said Engstler, who turned 19 in March. “Of course I am so happy to get this opportunity and I am really thankful for the support. To join an official FIA series at 19 years old is just amazing. There is a bit of pressure and I am already kind of nervous, but I try to take the positives and learn a lot.”
While Engstler has built up knowledge of the Hyundai i30 N TCR, he has yet to race at the 5.922-kilometre Slovakia Ring.
“My goal for sure is not to jump on the podium there, we have to be realistic so my goal is to learn a lot and finish all races and just try to see and enjoy the WTCR weekend. With the 20 kilos we have as a wildcard, it is going to be even more tough, but I try to do my best. Learning a lot is the key for me.”
With this year’s WTCR Race of Slovakia part of an exciting double-header with the FIM Endurance World Championship, WTCR / OSCARO drivers will practice and qualifying on Friday 10 May with all three races scheduled for Sunday 12 May.