Hometown hero Cayrolle all set for debut WTCR wildcard action

Éric Cayrolle will start an FIA World Touring Car race for the first time in more than 20 years when the WTCR visits his hometown track next week. Pau resident Cayrolle is entered for WTCR Clean Fuels For All Race of France, the opening rounds of the 2022 WTCR − FIA World Touring Car Cup, in a Goodyear-equipped Audi RS 3 LMS run under the Elite motorsport by Comtoyou banner.

Ad/> Better known for his exploits racing GT cars in recent seasons, the 59-year-old Cayrolle famously won the WTCC Trophy in the second of two FIA World Touring Car Championship races at Circuit de Pau-Ville in May 2009. He scored a world championship point in the process despite crashing on the penultimate lap and causing the race to be red flagged.

WTCRWide-open competition in store as race winners pack WTCR entry2 HOURS AGO That was the last time the city in southwest France hosted an FIA World Touring Car event and the category’s return this year, as part of the Pau Motors Festival from May 7-8, is eagerly anticipated. “I live in Pau, it’s my favourite circuit and it will be the 29th edition of this race for me,” said Frenchman Cayrolle.

“I did the FIA World Touring Car Championship race in Pau in 2009 and I have very good memories because I was the best privateer in the second race, which I won without passing the finishing line.” A three-time French Supertourisme champion, Cayrolle completed two full seasons in the FIA European Touring Car Championship having gained experience in Formula Renault and Formula 3 in France earlier in his career. After a stint in French GT, Cayrolle spent 2021 in the Ultimate Cup Series and won his last race at Circuito do Estoril in Portugal.