Leuchter completes Volkswagen-powered Sébastien Loeb Racing WTCR line-up

*German hopeful chosen for fourth Sébastien Loeb Racing Golf GTI TCR *World chance a fulfilment of Leuchter’s childhood dream *Bennani, Huff and Kristoffersson also part of SLR’s WTCR / OSCARO attack

Benjamin Leuchter, the driver who helped to make the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR a winner in the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup presented by OSCARO, has been handed the chance to demonstrate his ability on a global stage after being selected as the fourth Sébastien Loeb Racing driver for 2019.

German Leuchter, a long-term member of the Volkswagen family, will join Mehdi Bennani (Morocco), Rob Huff (Great Britain) and Johan Kristoffersson (Sweden) in representing French outfit SLR on the #WTCR2019SUPERGRID.

“The World Cup is a childhood dream come true for me,” said the 31-year-old from Duisburg, who played a key role in testing and developing the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR. “I am delighted to be given the seat in the WTCR and will give everything to represent the German colours in a worthy manner. I’m only familiar with two of the 10 tracks on the calendar, but I’m a fast learner and will do my very best to be successful.”

Leuchter, a Volkswagen brand ambassador and Volkswagen Driving Experience instructor, has raced successfully in single-seaters and ADAC TCR Germany in the past. In 2016 he set a new lap record for front-wheel-drive production vehicles at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a Golf GTI Clubsport S before winning his class in the 24h-Rennen at the legendary venue the following year.

“I am delighted that we were able to get Benjamin Leuchter to move to the WTCR,” said Sven Smeets, Volkswagen Motorsport Director. “Benny has been part of the Volkswagen family for years and was involved in the development of the Golf GTI TCR right from the start. His results speak for themselves and he did a fantastic job during the testing – both on the track and in collaboration with the engineers. We have lined up a strong international quartet of drivers for WTCR 2019 and it goes without saying that we want to be up there at the front of the pack.”

François Ribeiro, Head of Eurosport Events, the WTCR promoter, said: “I have made no secret of my desire to have a German driver competing full time in WTCR / OSCARO so it’s great that Volkswagen Motorsport and Sébastien Loeb Racing have put their faith behind Benjamin Leuchter. He’s an exciting prospect with a strong track record in TCR racing. It will be interesting to watch him prove himself on the #WTCR2019SUPERGRID.”