» WTCC: Honda confirms Michigami

Fresh from the shock news of Rob Huff’s departure, the Honda WTCC team has announced that Super GT veteran Ryo Michigami will replacement the Englishman in its three-car line-up for the 2017 FIA World Touring Car Championship season.

Huff made the surprise announcement that he was quitting the JAS Motorsport-run outfit after a single season to return to Münnich Motorsport – with whom he had previously raced in 2013 – which had secured the use of an ex-factory Citroën C-Elysée for 2017.

Honda announced on Monday that the Briton’s seat would be taken by Michigami for 2017, who will race alongside Tiago Monteiro and Norbert Michelisz – both of whom have been retained – in the outfit’s updated Honda Civic WTCC cars.

Michigami has long been associated with Honda, and contested last year’s WTCC round at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit in a one-off appearance in a fourth Civic WTCC, finishing just outside the points in eleventh place in the opening race.

“As a Japanese driver, I’m extremely proud to be given the opportunity to represent a Japanese manufacturer in a world championship,” the 43-year-old said.

“I’m aware that this season will be a huge challenge for me, but I will use all the experience I have gained during my career in Japan and I am incredibly motivated to perform strongly across the season.

“I want to make this the pinnacle of my life in motorsport and together with Honda, JAS Motorsport, Tiago and Norbi, I will make the maximum effort possible to achieve this.”

Image via FIA WTCC Media