Tonio Liuzzi has become the first current Formula 1 driver to sign up for this year's V8 Supercar round at Surfers Paradise in October.
The Italian HRT racer will co-drive with Ford driver Tony D'Alberto in the Wilson Securities Falcon. He is the seventh driver with Formula 1 experience who will compete in the event. Liuzzi will join Mika Salo, Jan Magnussen, Sebastian Bourdais, Christian Klien, Gianni Morbidelli and Stephane Sarrazin in the Oct. 21-23 event.
"I had a good look at the TDR car when I was at the Australian Grand Prix earlier in the year and I was really impressed," said Liuzzi. "There isn't much difference in size between myself and Tony and our seat position should be comfortable together. We will be a good team.
"I don't think it will take me long to adapt to the car. The one-day testing before will be good. I have experience with powerful sedans and I really enjoy driving them. I see the V8 Supercars being very similar.
"After finding out that I was coming to Australia to race, I have followed the V8 Supercars a little closer. It looks like very exciting, close racing. The test that we'll do beforehand will be very important. I would like to do more time in the car, but I guess it's the same for everyone."
The build-up to this year's race will include a day of testing at the Queensland Raceway on Oct. 19.