By Mick Palmer

Teenage TCR UK surprise package Alex Ley is ready to attack the championship for a second time as he steps up with his Daniel James Racing outfit to pair with Area Motorsport for the 2023 season.

Ley, who took a series leading three wins in his debut year – aged only 17 – will return the the seat of a Hyundai i30 N as he seeks to improve on his 2022 totals and aims for the overall crown.

Despite missing the opening round of the year Ley finished sixth in the final standings and headed into the season closing Snetterton round as an outsider for the title.

“The 2022 season surpassed our expectations and really put Alex on the map with his three wins in his debut season,” said DJR team manager principal Daniel Ley said. “We never expected to end the year with three victories to Alex’s name and that’s a true testament to the hard work both Alex and the Daniel James Motorsport team put in.”

With fastest laps also to his name Ley finished lower in the top 10 with his other finishes and will be looking to add consistent to the obvious outright pace he put on display last term.

“2023 is a new season and this time we are contesting all 15 rounds, joining forces with Area Motorsport” Daniel Ley continued. “After our collaboration at the Snetterton Finale, staying with Area Motorsport presents Alex with an opportunity to grow as a driver. We expect this year to be a tough season and will be looking to make sure the Hyundai runs reliably so that Alex can maximise the chance of scoring the best points he can in each race.”

Area Motorsport have already confirmed a continuation of their relationship with Jamie Tonks who ran with the team last year and Bruce Winfield who closed out the year at Snetterton with his own i30 N.

Area Motorsport Team Principal Rob Baker stated: “Having worked with Alex and his team last year mainly with data, setup and driver coaching, we’re extremely pleased to have someone in Alex with such potential at a young age with us for the full 2023 season. Alex proved last year his quality winning the most TCR UK races in the 2022 season and he will certainly be one to watch in 2023 as he pushes to be involved in the championship fight from the very start.”