Thai driver Sritrai to make WTCC debut at home

Home fans will have a local hero to cheer when Thailand hosts the FIA World Touring Car Championship for the first time later this month.

Top Thai racer Tin Sritrai will drive a Chevrolet RML Cruze TC1 for Campos Racing in WTCC Race of Thailand at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram from 31 October-1 November.

The 26-year-old karter turned touring car talent will be eligible for points in the Yokohama Drivers’ Trophy for independent racers and will use what he has described as an “incredible opportunity” to build his experience as he embarks on forging a long-term career in the WTCC.

But while Sritrai will be making his debut in the WTCC, he has already created a name for himself in championship circles by winning both Touring Car Series in Asia by IMSP races supporting JVC KENWOOD WTCC Race of Japan at Twin Ring Motegi last month.

François Ribeiro, the WTCC General Manager, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome Tin Sritrai to the FIA World Touring Car Championship, particularly for the WTCC’s first appearance in Thailand at the Chang International Circuit. Tin demonstrated his potential with two-support race wins at Twin Ring Motegi and his participation in WTCC Race of Thailand will only help to boost attendances and create interest among the Thai people and media. And by joining Campos, Tin will work with an experienced team with a proven track record of bringing on young drivers.”

Sritrai, who represented Thailand in the Race Of Champions event in Bangkok in 2012, added: “I am so happy to get this incredible opportunity to graduate to the WTCC for my home race. It’s a really big chance to learn from the best and I cannot wait to get my first experience of my Campos Chevrolet in front of my home fans. I am well aware of the enormity of the challenge but I will do my best to build my knowledge in the hope that I can race in the WTCC full time in the future.”

Based in Khon Kaen, a two-hour drive from Buriram, Sritrai achieved success in karting around the world before moving into Formula Renault single-seaters for 2010. After a strong season in the Formula Pilota China series in 2011, he won the first of three consecutive Touring Car Series in Asia By IMSP titles in 2012. He’s on course for a fourth crown this season and will maintain Campos Racing’s policy of promoting young talent: his team-mates John Filippi and Hugo Valente are 20 and 23 respectively.