WTCC: Menu to race TCR Subaru at Macau

Alain Menu will contest the TCR International races supporting the Macau Grand Prix next month. The Swiss driver, who will also return to the British Touring Car Championship this weekend, will drive a Subaru WRX STi built and fielded by the Italian Top Run squad as it expands to two cars. The two-time BTCC champion will also contest the preceding TCR races at Buriram in Thailand on Oct. 25.

"This will be one of the greatest challenges in my racing career, as in Thailand I will have to cope with a new team, a new car, a new championship and a new track," said Menu. "Because Top Run is currently building a second car, I hope we will run a test before the event. In any case, we will treat Thailand as a shakedown, an occasion for us to get to know each other and prepare for Macau.

"I love the place. It is one of the most exciting circuits in the world and I have always been fairly competitive there."

The Thailand round will only be the second outing for the Subaru, which made its debut in TCR's Singapore Grand Prix support races last month in the hands of Luca Rangoni.

Given the car is so new, it will be difficult for Menu to add to his three victories on the streets of Macau, which all came in WTCC races. But the Subaru's late start to the year means there is significant potential yet to be exploited.

"To have Alain driving for us is a unique opportunity," said team manager Renato Russo. "We couldn't wish for a more experienced and faster driver to help us in the process of developing the Subaru TCR. "For the whole team this is a fantastic motivation to do our best and give him a competitive car."

Menu's former WTCC teammate Rob Huff will also race at Macau driving a Honda Civic run by West Coast Racing.

Originally on Autosport.com