Driving the Honda Australia-supported, Wall Racing-prepared FL5 Civic Type R TCR in just its third start locally, D’Alberto scored a podium to start off his title pursuit and emerged from the weekend seventh in the standings.
The latest iteration of the Honda’s touring car star debuted locally in the hands of D’Alberto as part of the TCR World Tour events at Sydney Motorsport Park and Bathurst last year, the 2022 Supercheap Auto TCR Australia series winner scoring pole at the latter.
Undertaking his maiden full-campaign in the FL5, D’Alberto comes up against increased competition in the tightly-contested Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series set to take place across seven rounds in five states.
Alberto and the FL5 displayed rapid speed out of the box to be placed inside the top three in both Friday practice sessions as he qualified fifth for the opening race.
It didn't take long for the hustle and bustle of TCR racing to return as the opening lap provided plenty of action, enhancing D’Alberto’s position to fourth. A mechanical malady for a competitor ahead ensured the Honda Australia Civic Type R FL5 TCR took the final step on the podium at the end of Race 1.
Just like last year the second race led to the top 10 finishing positions from the opening event formed the grid for Race 2 placing D’Alberto eighth, however hot conditions did not easily facilitate a move up the field and he consolidated in 10th.
The second and final race of the day led to sixth place as progress continues to be made on the still fresh FL5 Civic Type R TCR package by Wall Racing.
"It's been an eventful weekend", D'Alberto summarised.
"We picked up a podium on Saturday, which was fantastic to score third. Sunday was a little bit tougher in the hotter conditions as it didn’t suit our car too much or me, I was overheating out there as much as the Civic. It was great to get back on the track, get going and continue to learn about this new FL5. Every time we head out, we learn a little bit more and build the set-up knowledge we need going forward this year. I'm really excited for the year ahead, we've got this amazing livery in the purple due to the partnership between Honda Australia and the Starlight Children's Foundation. It's an association lasting many years and this season we’re going to raise as much awareness around the Starlight Children’s Foundation as we can, while putting smiles on those children less fortunate by winning some races."
"We go to Tasmania next, it’s been a really strong track for the Honda in the past where we have actually won races. I’m looking forward to going back there, but obviously with the new FL5 there will be a few changes to the set-up and we’ll try to do a test day prior to learn more about it. We’re right in the title hunt and we’re going to fight as hard as we can."