Series champion Tony D'Alberto to make history with TCR Australia return
TCR Australia Series champion Tony D'Alberto has confirmed he'll return for another tilt at the touring car title, marking a historic first for the category.
The Melbourne-born driver will become the first series winner to return after taking the title.
He will also carry the iconic No.1 on his car, becoming the first driver in the category to do so.
Stan Sport is the only place to watch the 2023 IndyCar Series. All the action streaming ad-free, live and on demand
Tony D'Alberto will return in 2023 with the No.1 on his car. Daniel Kalisz
With backing from Honda Australia, the series-winning Civic Type R will return to the grid too.
While D'Alberto didn't have the most wins in 2022, it was a case of consistently finishing near the front that paid dividends.
READ MORE: Tubby's surprise pick for new T20 captain
READ MORE: Insane tickets prices for LeBron record game revealed
READ MORE: Picture reveals sneaky Indian Test tactic
"It's great to confirm that I'll be coming back to defend my TCR Australia series title with the No.1 placed on my Honda Civic Type R," said D'Alberto.
"TCR Australia is one of the best racing categories that I've ever been involved with.
Tony D'Alberto won with Wall Racing and support from Honda. Daniel Kalisz
"The cars are rewarding to drive, the competition is close and continues to be an affordable, market-relevant class.
"The Honda Civic Type R TCR has proven around the world to be competitive in all TCR series, and I was very pleased to give Honda its first title success in Australia last year.
"With the ongoing support from JAS Motorsport, plus the professionalism of Wall Racing, there is no reason why our package won't be a force in 2023."
In its four-year history, no champion has returned to the series the year after with the No.1 on their door.
The inaugural season was won by Will Brown for HMO Customer Racing in 2019.
Due to COVID-19, the 2020 season did not go ahead and precluded him from carrying the number.
Tony D'Alberto lofts his winner's trophy. Daniel Kalisz
The 2021 season was taken out by Melbourne Performance Centre driver Chaz Mostert, who won the title with two races to spare.
However, he opted not to race in 2022 to focus on his Supercars commitments with Walkinshaw Andretti United.
The 2023 TCR Australia Series gets underway at Symmons Plains on February 24-26.
