Poringland's Josh Files can't wait for the coming motor racing season to start as he prepares to contest the ADAC TCR German Touring Car Series.

'I'm over the moon with the deal and looking forward to stepping up to a new platform and winning again in a different racing arena,' said Files on his new deal.

The Norfolk racer will contest the new championship with the Target Competition team, who will be running a trio of Opel Astras in the seven-round series, which is a development of the TCR International Series, with races in and around Germany.

'We are really happy for Josh to join our team as he creates the best package possible for good results,' confirmed the Italian-based team.

'We followed him through Clio Cup and EuroCup all the way through to this year and we have a good feeling with him as a driver for our team and also as a person.

'We are really excited to have him representing Target Competition and Opel in Germany and worldwide.'

It is a prestige opening as Target Competition secured the teams' and drivers' TCR International Series titles last year, running a SEAT Leon for Swiss racer Stefano Comini.

For Files, who ruled Renault Clios after taking both the domestic and EuroCup titles in 2013, it has been a tough two years as he was unable to progress up the racing ladder due to a withdrawal of a sponsor.

A potential Porsche Carrera Cup GB drive failed to materialise last year with the 25-year-old then taking up an offer to contest the Italian Renault Clio Cup in which he finished in third place on unfamiliar circuits.

With the help of advisor Andy Priaulx, a former three-time World Touring Car title winner, Files was able to secure a drive in the prestigious Macau touring car event with the Campos Racing team.

While myriad mechanical problems stopped Files from posting impressive results in an Opel Astra it did get him noticed by a wider audience and led to this current opportunity.

'It's an incredible and exciting opportunity for me to race in the all-new Opel Astra as a semi-works driver,' said Files.

'To compete in the 2016 ADADC TCR German series with the car, and with the 2015 TRC International Championship winning team, creates a really good package to fight for P1 from the outset.'

The new series is hopeful of attracting a grid of 25 cars this season, with five events based in Germany, plus visits to Austria and Holland.

Files is also aiming to develop his links with the industry by becoming a brand ambassador for companies and their products. Interested parties can contact the local racer via e-mail at josh.files@btinternet.com