The architect of the TCR platform, Marcello Lotti, will head to Australia to witness the second round of TCR Australia at Phillip Island next weekend.

Lotti, the former World Touring Car Championship boss, is set for his first trip to Australia since his WSC Group signed an agreement with CAMS to bring TCR to the country last year.

The Italian devised the two litre front wheel drive TCR formula back in 2014, which has now spread globally with 16 championship in operation, including the FIA WTCR (World Touring Car Cup).

Australia is the latest to debut a series, holding its opening round at Sydney Motorsport Park earlier this month.

Lotti’s visit follows the revelation that he and CAMS have held talks to bring WTCR to Australia with a possible round at Bathurst.

“We are really thrilled to visit TCR Australia at Phillip Island,” said Lotti, who will be joined at Phillip Island by Nunzia Corvino, the sporting director for the WSC Group.

“The series might be one of the most recent additions to the ever-growing TCR global community, but it has immediately proved to be one of the most professional from all points of view.

“The marketing and promotional activities that were carried out to build up the interest before the inaugural event were impressive.

“The quality of the field is top-level, for both teams and drivers.

“And the season opener at Sydney Motorsport Park was very entertaining, with a close qualifying session and three exciting races.

“To go and have an inside look at the series was a must for us, because we really believe that TCR Australia is going to grow up quickly and become one of the brightest jewels in the TCR crown.”

TCR Australia is looking forward to hosting the Lotti for its second round of the series at the Phillip Island Shannons Nationals round.

“It is with great pleasure that we will have TCR’s founder Marcello Lotti at Phillip Island for Round 2 of our series,” said Matt Braid, boss of TCR Australia promoter, Australian Racing Group (ARG).

“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Marcello and Nunzia on a couple of occasions and they are extremely passionate about the TCR brand and our Australian series.

“They were very complimentary of our first event, and we are very confident that we’re going to put on a great show for them at Phillip Island.

“And what a track to bring them to to showcase TCR. Phillip Island is one of the world’s most picturesque circuits. It’s going to be a great spectacle.”

Hyundai’s Will Brown currently leads the series by 12 points from Alfa Romeo’s Dylan O’Keeffe.

Round 2 will be held from June 7-9.