2025 TCR Europe front-runner Max Hart finished in the top ten in both of the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour races at the weekend in Macau, after a last-minute call-up to race a CUPRA Leon VZ TCR alongside former series front-runner Aurélien Comte.

Hart, who with a victory and two podium finishes was one of the many drivers in contention for the drivers’ title this year, jumped into the CUPRA of SP Compétition with no previous experience of the car, and qualified in the top 12 on his first appearance, moving up in both races to finish ninth and seventh.

“This time last week I was planning for a nice winter and off season, and I didn’t even know I was going to be here this weekend, and to do two top tens plus the fastest lap in the last race, I think that really shows what we can do at the top level,” said Hart.

“We know this track is more suited to the Hyundais and the Lynk & Cos, so to be there or thereabouts with them I’m happy with that.”

The Irish driver was involved in a close battle with Hong Kong racer Lo Sze Ho, a driver with much more experience of the Macau circuit in Race 1, while in Race 2 Hart was right on the tail of the TCR World Tour regulars at the end of a safety-car-free race.

“I’m still learning the car I still don’t know it’s capabilities under braking, and that was something I was exploring in Race 1 in the fight with Lo, and I could use it to my advantage in Race 2. I was able to be much braver on the brakes into Turn 3, I think I passed two or three into the braking zone, so I was able to learn and adapt quickly, which I’m very happy about.”

Looking to next year, the Irish racer hopes to make the step to be a full time racer in the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour.

“It’s been my dream to race in the World Tour since I started TCR in 2020,” he said. “Last year I never finished the race, but this year to be properly with them, finish in the top ten and to be competitive, it’s huge for me and I hope some teams will take note and I get a good opportunity next year.”