Infotainment Factory: The change that could flip series on its head

A brand new tyre compound could completely change the complexion of this year's TCR Australia Series, according to two leading drivers.

The series has ditched French tyre manufacturer Michelin ahead of the 2023 season in favour of South Korean rubber maker Kumho.

The change brings the Australian series in line with other TCR categories in Europe and South America as well as the all-new TCR World Tour.

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Prior to the SpeedSeries season-opener at Symmons Plains on February 24-26, an additional four hours worth of practice will take place on February 23.

Tony D'Alberto won the 2022 title with Honda.

The change bodes well for Garry Rogers Motorsport, who will bring four cars to Tasmania for the first round.

That'll give them a leg up on the smaller teams with four data points to work with.

"I think it's really exciting having a new tyre for the category," said Peugeot pilot Aaron Cameron.

"I think it's great and levels the playing field again as with GRM running four cars, it's a big leg up for us as we can just collect that data so fast on these tyre tests compared to other teams running one or two cars.

"It's a big advantage for us and we've got some smart people, who should be able to make the most of it."

Aaron Cameron finished eighth in the 2022 TCR Australia Series.

It could mean a change of tact in qualifying too.

"It'll be interesting to see what happens with this tyre in terms of whether we run four (new tyres) on qualifying or just put two (new tyres) on the front," Cameron explained.

"It just resets what we did with the previous tyre as the Kumho could be a lot different.

"The tyre test is a great start for us to learn the tyre before we get into the action at Symmons Plains."

Last year's TCR Australia Series winner Tony D'Alberto said the change could shift how teams approach car set-up.

"It's going to be interesting," said D'Alberto, who returns in his Honda.

"We had a new tyre last year as well, which changes the balance of the car so we're pretty keen to get our hands on a new set of the Kumhos to see how the Honda reacts and the changes we need to make.

A new tyre will be introduced this year, Kumho replacing Michelin.

"I think it's a great initiative to go to the same tyre that we're going to run against the internationals later in the year.

"The team has spoken to JAS Motorsport over in Europe to get a little bit of insight, but there's always different opinions on those things. From all reports it's a very good tyre (and) we shouldn't see any issues with them.

"It's just really trying to get a feel for the balance and see how we need to shift that to get the most out of the Type R TCR."

The opening SpeedSeries round, Race Tasmania, at Symmons Plains takes place on February 24-26.

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