Fantastic debut for BRC Racing Team in TCR Europe 2026
Victory and podium for Alex Ley and Gabriele Covini
A standout debut for BRC Racing Team in the 2026 TCR Europe season, with Alex Ley and Gabriele Covini immediately establishing themselves as front-runners from qualifying at the Mugello circuit. The team delivered an impressive one-two in qualifying, with Ley securing pole position and Covini lining up right behind him, confirming the high level of competitiveness achieved by both drivers.
Race 1: Victory for Ley, Covini on the podium
Alex Ley enjoyed a remarkable weekend in the series, securing both pole position and victory on his seasonal debut in TCR Europe. A major result that marks BRC Racing Team’s full-time return to the championship in the best possible way.
Adding to the team’s success, Gabriele Covini claimed a podium finish, crossing the line in third after a solid and hard-fought race, with South Korean driver Junesung Park splitting the two BRC entries.
Race 2: Ley second, retirement for Covini
In Race 2, Alex Ley delivered a thrilling recovery drive, climbing from tenth to second place with a composed and determined performance. Thanks to this result, he leaves the Italian round with an 18-point advantage over his closest rival.
A more unfortunate outcome for Gabriele Covini, who was forced to retire three laps from the finish following contact with another car while battling for the leading positions.
Alex Ley: “I’m absolutely thrilled with this weekend—probably even more than I can show. It’s been a simply perfect start to the season. Securing pole position and victory in Race 1 is something I had been dreaming of. In Race 2, I focused on scoring as many points as possible, avoiding unnecessary risks and carefully planning each overtake, and that approach paid off.
I’d like to thank Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing, BRC Racing Team and Daniel James Motorsport for the phenomenal work done on the car. We’re on the right path—let’s keep pushing!”
Gabriele Covini: “Finally, a podium! After coming close several times last year, making it onto the podium here in TCR Europe is an incredible feeling. The early battle with Park was tough, but once I found my rhythm, I focused entirely on my driving.
Defending my position in the closing laps was both a mental and physical challenge, but taking the chequered flag was a real relief. This podium is the reward I’ve been chasing for a long time.”
Gabriele Rizzo, Team Principal BRC Racing Team: “A textbook weekend that rewards the commitment of the entire team after weeks of intense work. While we were confident in the quality of our pre-event tests, the results on track exceeded all expectations.
The fact that both our drivers had previously competed at Mugello proved to be a decisive competitive advantage, allowing us to capitalize on their deep knowledge of the circuit compared to many of our rivals. Alex was flawless: a hard-fought pole position followed by a masterful management of both races with the Race 1 victory, which now hands him the championship lead. Witnessing his evolution as a driver is a source of great pride for us. Gabriele was truly impressive: his superb qualifying performance and his first podium in Race 1 are the well-deserved reward for his talent. The setback in Race 2 is simply part of a young driver’s learning curve, but the pure speed he demonstrated remains the most important takeaway.”
Race 1 results:
1 – Alex Ley – BRC Racing Team – Hyundai Elantra N TCR – 13 laps
2 – Junesung Park – Solite Indigo Racing – Hyundai Elantra N TCR – 3.291
3 – Gabriele Covini – BRC Racing Team – Hyundai Elantra NTCR – +3.655
4 – Max Hart – ALM Motorsport – Honda Civic Type R FL5 TCR – 4.155
5 – Mike Halder – ALM Motorsport – Honda Civic Type R FL5 TCR – 5.431
Race 2 results:
1 – Nicolas Taylor – PMA Motorsport – Audi RS 3 LMS – 13 laps
2 – Alex Ley – BRC Racing Team – Hyundai Elantra N TCR – 0.835
3 – Mike Halder – ALM Motorsport – Honda Civic Type R FL5 TCR – 1.428
4 – Junesung Park – Solite Indigo Racing – Hyundai Elantra N TCR – 2.080
5 – Nicola Baldan – PMA Motorsport – Audi RS 3 LMS – 2.871
Drivers’ Championship:
1 – Alex Ley – BRC Racing Team – Hyundai Elantra N TCR – 65 pt.
2 – Junesung Park – Solite Indigo Racing – Hyundai Elantra N TCR – 47
3 – Mike Halder – ALM Motorsport – Honda Civic Type R FL5 TCR – 44
4 – Nicolas Taylor – PMA Motorsport – Audi RS 3 LMS – 42
5 – Nicola Baldan – PMA Motorsport – Audi RS 3 LMS – 35
6 – Gabriele Covini – BRC Racing Team – Hyundai Elantra N TCR – 30
Team’ Championship:
1 BRC Racing Team 95 pt.
2 PMA Motorsport 81 pt.
3 ALM Motorsport 54 pt