Florian Thoma: Victory as VW ambassador
SUCCESSFUL START TO THE SEASON Racing driver Florian Thoma has been the official brand ambassador for Volkswagen Switzerland since 2018. With victories in the 24 Hours of Dubai and in the TCR Middle East series, the season of the 22-year-old from Berne started extremely successfully. The partnership between Volkswagen Switzerland and its new brand ambassador Florian Thoma could not have got off to a better start. On January 12/13 [...]
The partnership between Volkswagen Switzerland and its new brand ambassador Florian Thoma could not have got off to a better start. On January 12/13, the 22-year-old from Studen BE was one of five drivers to take overall victory in the touring car classification of the Dubai 24 Hours and victory in the TCR category with the VW Golf GTI TCR from Engstler Motorsport.
Florian Thoma: "My first endurance race was a completely new experience. It wasn't pure speed that mattered, but consistency and taking care of the equipment. That was necessary, too, because from Sunday morning we had serious gearbox problems. 500 meters after the finish line it was broken!"
The second event of the TCR Middle East, the international TCR series in the Middle East, took place at the same venue on January 26/27. Starting from 5th place in the second race, the Swiss driver immediately took the lead and stayed there until the finish.
This marked the third victory in Florian Thoma's still young career. He only entered motor racing in 2017 and won the Sunday race of the ADAC TCR Germany in his Engstler Golf at Oschersleben straight away.
Thoma was already in the lead at the TCR Middle East season opener in Abu Dhabi on January 20. However, as a result of a collision in a duel, the suspension broke shortly before the end.
Florian Thomas first racing season as a full pro
The last event will take place in Bahrain on February 24. After that, Florian Thoma will enter his second TCR season in Germany in a stronger position. Further races are planned, for example at the Nürburgring 24 Hours and in the FIA WTCR.
In order to concentrate fully on racing, the commercial employee in his parents' business is now a full professional. Since 2018, he has also been an official brand ambassador for Volkswagen Switzerland.
At the first event on February 1, a winter driving training course for media representatives at Ambri airfield, Florian Thoma took delivery of a VW Golf GTI as his company car.
