In the first two seasons of the TCR European Endurance, one name has consistently stood out in the standings: TEXACO Team AMS. The Istanbul-based team immediately showed strong interest in the innovative format of the European endurance series for touring cars, entering the championship from its very first race with three cars.
With extensive experience campaigning the Audi RS3 LMS TCR in Italy—where it also won the DSG class in both TCR Italy and the Coppa Italia Turismo—the team led by Ibrahim Okyay contributed to a historic achievement for the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer, securing the 600th title in Audi’s customer racing program since its launch in 2009, thanks to victories in the series promoted by Mauricio Slaviero.
Since 2024, ten different drivers have represented TEXACO Team AMS across three different classes. Eric Brigliadori and Turgut Konukoğlu became the first overall champions in the history of the TCR European Endurance at Misano; Ibrahim Okyay—acting in the dual role of team manager and driver—claimed the DSG class title together with Seda Kaçan; and Barkın Pınar secured the Gen1 class crown. The team also won the overall teams’ championship. In 2025, the focus shifted primarily to the Gen1 class, where TEXACO Team AMS repeated its success with Sinan Çiftci and Ibrahim Okyay, the only driver in the TCR European Endurance to have won at least one title in two different seasons, as well as to have competed in every race.
The Turkish team has also distinguished itself by bringing young Turkish drivers onto the international stage through the Junior Trophy, the category dedicated to drivers under 21. Zekai Özen and Berk Kalpaklıoğlu won this trophy in 2024 and 2025 respectively, while in the Gentleman category—reserved for drivers over 50—Ibrahim Okyay dominated both in 2024 and the following season. The Women’s Trophy, won by Seda Kaçan in 2024, brought the total number of trophies to ten. Statistically, over the course of the two seasons, TEXACO Team AMS climbed to the top step of the podium twelve times (three overall victories, two in the DSG class and seven in Gen1), becoming the first team to reach double figures in terms of wins.
Ibrahim, as both a driver and the team principal of TEXACO Team AMS, you are the only competitor to have taken part in every TCR European Endurance race. How proud are you of this milestone, and what does it say about the team’s consistency and commitment to the series?
The TCR European Endurance Series caught my attention from the moment it was announced, and both the experience of the organizers and the format of the championship immediately stood out. Being part of this new series from the very beginning—both as a competitor and as a team owner—and achieving significant results has been a great source of pride and satisfaction. I would like to thank everyone involved. I sincerely hope that our team will continue to be part of this series for many years to come.
TEXACO Team AMS became the first Turkish team to win a European championship title for two consecutive years. What does this historic achievement mean to you and to Turkish motorsport as a whole?
Turkish motorsport has made significant progress, especially in recent years. This year, the DTM champion is a Turkish driver, and we also have Turkish drivers competing successfully in major series such as the Le Mans Series. I believe we will soon see a strong Turkish presence in Formula 4 as well. Our female drivers, particularly those who have come through karting, are making remarkable progress. Even though Formula 1 only races in our country occasionally, motorsport continues to grow in Turkey. In motorcycle racing, we are even more prominent thanks to Toprak Razgatlıoğlu. My team, Team AMS, has been competing in world and European championships for 15 years with its own personnel and equipment. Still, I do not consider what we have achieved to be enough—we are a country of over 80 million people, and we have the potential to do much more.
What is your overall assessment of the TCR European Endurance format, and which aspects make it particularly attractive for teams and drivers?
I have been involved in motorsport for 34 years without interruption. I have competed in major series such as the WTCC, ETCC, 24H Series and GT4 European Series, and I believe the TCR European Endurance is one of the best championships, especially in terms of cost-efficiency and race mileage. Of course, competition will increase as participation grows, but at present the racing is conducted in a very respectful and sporting environment. From time to time, some of the world’s best TCR drivers also take part, which further enhances the level of the series. I believe it is one of the best platforms both for gentleman drivers and for those looking to take their first steps and progress within the TCR ecosystem. The single pit stop and two-driver format also represent an excellent balance for both teams and competitors.
Looking ahead, what are the main objectives and plans for the 2026 season, both in terms of sporting goals and team development?
Our aim is to start the 2026 season with three cars. While we are not entirely satisfied with the inclusion of GT4 cars in the same championship this year, we respect the direction chosen by the organizers and will carefully evaluate our options should this approach continue.
