Taniguchi replaces Vaulkhard

Japanese racer Yukinori Taniguchi will replace Harry Vaulkhard at bamboo-engineering in the next three WTCC events at Oschersleben this week, Valencia and Okayama.

Team principal Richard Coleman commented: “While it’s sad to see Harry go it’s a great opportunity for us to work with Yukinori, his experience at the Okayama circuit will no doubt help us as a team when we get there.”

Taniguchi made a brief appearance in the World Championship two years ago, when he raced at Monza and Okayama at the wheel of a JAS Motorsport Honda Accord car. Now he will be driving a bamboo-run Chevrolet Lacetti alongside Hong Kong’s Darryl O’Young.

“I have been looking to drive in WTCC since 2008 and now I have this opportunity in a great team and car. Bamboo showed they are one of the fastest independent teams this season and I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel,” Taniguchi said.

Being sidelined because one of his sponsors pulled out, Vaulkhard commented, “I’m gutted, but my goal is to be back in WTCC for 2011 and I’m also working on other things for the remainder of the current season.”