123 replies to this topic

[Branislav]

Welcome Goodyear

 

https://www.youtube....yAkQexVnoNLFT:6

[Branislav]

One of the world’s most famous and successful tyre brands is going #backtoracing in more ways than one in 2020 after joining forces with the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup.

Having made its eagerly anticipated return to international motorsport in the summer, Goodyear has been confirmed as the Official Tyre Supplier to the WTCR under a three-year agreement with the FIA and Eurosport Events.

Goodyear will transfer its racing heritage and expertise to the WTCR – the leading international touring car series – which is gearing up for season three on the back of last weekend’s thrilling super-finale in Malaysia, where Norbert Michelisz claimed the title in the 30th of 30 races after a dramatic four-way battle for glory.

But as well as supplying its latest generation Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport race tyres for dry and wet weather WTCR action, Goodyear is linking up with Discovery-owned WTCR promoter Eurosport Events to provide an international flagship for its #backtoracing campaign around the world and all year long across the Discovery / Eurosport network.

Mike Rytokoski, Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Goodyear Consumer Europe, said: “We are excited to be joining Eurosport and the FIA by becoming the official tyre supplier for the FIA WTCR. This complements our recent comeback into global motorsport through the FIA World Endurance Championship. It allows Goodyear to connect with fans in a wide range of countries, and also prove the performance of our Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport range of racing tyres.”

François Ribeiro, Head of Eurosport Events, the WTCR promoter, said: “Following the FIA World Motor Sport Council vote we welcome Goodyear to the WTCR family. At the same time, we thank Yokohama for its unwavering support of WTCR – and the FIA World Touring Car Championship before that – and the expertise and professionalism it brought to the series over the last 14 years. We wish the company and staff well for their next challenge.

“Goodyear has a long and successful history in motorsport and we are very proud it has chosen the WTCR as an international racing flagship. Discovery and Goodyear will be very active together all year long to reconnect that iconic brand into the racing community with quality content and a full range of very creative activations. We have no doubt that Goodyear will be a first-class partner on the technical and marketing fronts of WTCR.”

Goodyear’s partnership with the WTCR revives memories of Goodyear’s race-winning heritage in the FIA European Touring Car Championship, a forerunner of WTCR, in the 1970s and 80s. In recent years, Goodyear has been the sole supplier of tyres to NASCAR.

The international racing comeback coincided with the launch of the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport tyre in the ultra-ultra-high-performance (UUHP) tyre segment. This tyre has already been ranked top in the first UUHP tyre test conducted by online tyre review website Tyre Reviews.

WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup calendar 2020
WTCR Race of Morocco (Circuit Moulay El Hassan, Marrakech), 3-5 April 2020
WTCR Race of Hungary (Hungaroring), 24-26 April 2020
WTCR Race of Germany (Nürburgring Nordschleife), 20-23 May 2020
WTCR Race of Slovakia (Slovakia Ring), 5-7 June 2020
WTCR Race of Portugal (Circuito Internacional de Vila Real), 19-21 June 2020
WTCR Race of Spain (MotorLand Aragón), 3-5 July 2020
WTCR Race of China (Ningbo International Speedpark), 4-6 September 2020
WTCR Race of South Korea (Inje Speedium circuit), 16-18 October 2020
WTCR Race of Macau (Circuito da Guia), 19-22 November 2020
WTCR Race of Malaysia (Sepang International Circuit), 10-13 December 2020

[ezequiel]

Romeo Ferraris would not return next season apparently as they focus on the ETCR Giulia project.

[PayasYouRace]

Welcome Goodyear

 

https://www.youtube....yAkQexVnoNLFT:6

 

With Goodyear also taking over branding for the BTCC tyres, are we seeing a renewed push into motorsport from them now?

[Vielleicht]

Romeo Ferraris would not return next season apparently as they focus on the ETCR Giulia project.

I’m looking forward to seeing that

[Branislav]

ONE CHAPTER OPENS AFTER ANOTHER CLOSES AS WTCR BIDS AU REVOIR TO MARRAKECH

February 5th, 2020|2020

Salzburgring in Austria will join the 2020 WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup from 24-26 July, while Hungaroring will host the opening event of the upcoming season as part of planned changes to the calendar approved by the FIA Touring Car Commission at its meeting in Paris today (Wednesday).

While the changes to the 2020 WTCR schedule – which also include a revised date for WTCR Race of China to accommodate the later-than-planned shipment of cars and equipment – must now go to the FIA World Motor Sport Council for ratification, they mark the end of an era.

Door always open after 10 fantastic years in Marrakech
After staging its first FIA World Touring Car race in 2009, the Marrakech Grand Prix weekend became an instant hit and a hugely popular addition to the calendar. And although the Circuit Moulay El Hassan won’t feature on the 2020 WTCR schedule, conversations are ongoing regarding future opportunities in the country.

François Ribeiro, Head of Eurosport Events, the WTCR promoter, explained: “With Mehdi Bennani, Morocco’s top racing driver, unfortunately no longer set to race in WTCR, running the event without his participation and the support that he brought means it’s simply no longer possible to deliver a race weekend of the standing and quality we always achieved in Marrakech.

“Marrakech has been a unique venue to open our season in such a beautiful country with a festive atmosphere and warm hospitality. While we are closing a 10-year chapter with Marrakech, we have already started to think about what our next chapter with Morocco will be. In the meantime, Eurosport keeps a tight connection with the Moroccan Ministry of Sports to promote the country as a sporting destination.”

Ribeiro continued: “Morocco has become a major player of the automotive industry since we first raced there in 2009, a solid car production hub for Africa, and I have no doubt our paths will cross again in the future. We place on record our huge gratitude to the Marrakech Grand Prix organisers for all their endeavour, dedication and support since the WTCC’s first visit.”

WTCR racers set for Salzburg speedfest
Renowned for its high-speed sweeps and spectacular action, Salzburgring has hosted FIA World Touring Car Championship and FIA European Touring Car Championship events in the past. Subject to approval, it will be the setting of the inaugural WTCR Race of Austria as the sixth event of the 2020 season in July.

Situated some 12 kilometres east of the city of Salzburg in central Austria, Salzburgring has the honour of hosting the final event of the WTCR’s traditional European schedule before the Asian leg begins in China in September.

First used in 1969 and measuring 4.241 kilometres in length, the track’s valley setting provides a picturesque backdrop, while its rapid layout offers an exciting challenge for drivers and plenty of action for fans. More details of the event will be announced in due course.

François Ribeiro: “Salzburgring is tailor-made for spectacular touring car racing and was always a WTCC season highlight. Its central location is ideal for the WTCR teams and we are excited to be renewing our partnership with the track and bringing WTCR racing to fans in that part of the world.”

King of WTCR to begin WTCR title defence at home
With the Hungaroring now set to open the 2020 WTCR season from 24-26 April, the King of the WTCR, Norbert Michelisz, will launch his title defence at his home event, WTCR Race of Hungary.

Already widely acknowledged for the vociferous backing they extend to their national sporting superstar, Hungarian fans are expected to flock to the track in their thousands to cheer on their first FIA world title winner, while also supporting Attila Tassi, the highly-rated 20-year-old would-be successor to Michelisz’s throne.

As well as the WTCR, the 2020 FIA European Truck Racing Championship will also get underway during the Super Racing Festival event with another local hero, Nobert Kiss, in action.

“The Hungaroring weekend was already shaping up to be a great event but opening the new season there, at Norbi’s home track, will make it an experience to savour for many years to come,” said François Ribeiro.

Ningbo organisers accommodate revised WTCR date
The FIA Touring Car Commission has also approved a revised date for WTCR Race of China, which moves from 4-6 September to 18-20 September – following the agreement of the Ningbo International Speedpark operator – to allow for the shipment of cars and equipment from Europe to Asia for the closing leg of the season. The new date remains subject to FIA World Motor Sport Council ratification. Meanwhile, the FIA and Eurosport Events will liaise jointly with local authorities and the event promoter, Mitime, to assess the evolution of the coronavirus outbreak.

WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup 2020 calendar (revisions subject to FIA World Motor Sport Council approval):
WTCR Race of Hungary (Hungaroring), 24-26 April
WTCR Race of Germany (Nürburgring Nordschleife), 20-23 May
WTCR Race of Slovakia (Slovakia Ring), 5-7 June
WTCR Race of Portugal (Circuito Internacional de Vila Real), 19-21 June
WTCR Race of Spain (MotorLand Aragón), 3-5 July
WTCR Race of Austria (Salzburgring), 24-26 July
WTCR Race of China (Ningbo International Speedpark), 18-20 September
WTCR Race of South Korea (Inje Speedium), 16-18 October
WTCR Race of Macau (Circuito da Guia), 19-22 November
WTCR Race of Malaysia (Sepang International Circuit), 10-13 December

[ezequiel]

I wouldn't be surprised if there's no Mehdi Bennani in WTCR this year

[JRodrigues]

Euro-Asian Touring Car Cup

[SenorSjon]

Talk about a stretched calendar. Usually a month between races.

[BRG]

Euro-Asian Touring Car Cup

Although dropping Marrakesh means that only two continents for a 'World' series, I am still not in the least bit sorry to see the back of that hopeless track.  Why can't they race at Kyalami?  Not to mention the Americas and Australasia?  Drop the equally dreadful Vila Real round and go to Bathurst or Buenos Aires.

[balage06]

go to Bathurst

 

At least that will happen in some form:

https://www.tcr-seri...cr-cars-in-2020

[LucaP]

So that means Salzbutg instead of Marrakech?
YES

[ezequiel]

WTCR announce fewer races and cost cutting measures

[balage06]

WTCR announce fewer races and cost cutting measures

 

[LucaP]

Sensible decisions..should have been like that from the start

[HistoryFan]

WTCR is in real trouble. Like most non-electric and non-hybrid engined racing series. Unfortunately.

[Ben1445]

I suppose it’s a good thing that WSC has been working on ETCR then

[ezequiel]

TCR South America set for introduction in 2021

It would be nice if it worked but with so many touring car series in the area running locally build and developed machines I am skeptic

[Branislav]

Eurosport Events, promoter of the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup, in consultation with the FIA, Hungaroring Sport Zrt and MNASZ, the Hungarian ASN, regretfully announces the cancellation of WTCR Race of Hungary, originally scheduled for 24-26 April 2020. The decision is the result of Hungarian government measures taken in response to the coronavirus outbreak which bans public gatherings of more than 500 people until further notice.

 

Officially dead

[HistoryFan]

only 5 drivers confirmed so far...

[ezequiel]

only 5 drivers confirmed so far...

And 9 cars with Lynk & Co committing to run 4 cars

[HistoryFan]

I doubt we'll see more than 15 cars the most races.

[balage06]

Hyundai confirms its line-up: Michelisz - Tarquini at BRC and Engstler Jr - Catsburg at Engstler

[HistoryFan]

nice to see Engstler junior there...

 

Lynk & Co: TBA, TBA, TBA, TBA

BRC Hyundai: Norbert Michelisz, Gabriele Tarquini

Engstler Hyundai: Nick Catsburg, Luca Engstler

Münnich Honda: Attila Tassi, Esteban Guerrieri, Tiago Monteiro, Nestor Girolami

Comtoyou Audi: Tom Coronel

[ezequiel]

Bumping this.

 

Lynk & Co: Yvan Muller, Yann Ehrlacher, Thed Bjork, TBA

BRC Hyundai: Norbert Michelisz, Gabriele Tarquini

Engstler Hyundai: Nick Catsburg, Luca Engstler

Münnich Honda: Attila Tassi, Esteban Guerrieri, Tiago Monteiro, Nestor Girolami

Comtoyou Audi: Tom Coronel, Nathanael Berthon

Zengo Cupra: Bence Boldizs, TBA

 

Judging by the esports pre season league and maybe helped by the fact that one car entries will be permited we could see one DG Peugeot and one Mulsanne Alfa Romeo too. Mikel Azcona could be somewhere in there too (with Cupra I suppose), thou I guess Zengo will field two Hungarians.

 

Besides, TCR Denmark starts this weekend. I don't know if TCR TV is going to show the races

[balage06]

thou I guess Zengo will field two Hungarians

 

Not sure about that, Zoli Zengő said about the second driver that "he is an experienced touring car driver who has never worked with Zengő before and he will surprise Hungarian fans". This statement rules out most of the relatively known Hungarians, so I guess it could be a bigger name returning.

[PayasYouRace]

I guess the real question is why do touring cars always struggle so much at a world championship (or cup  ) level?

 

The original WTCC only lasted a single season. The modern WTCC seemed to decline almost as soon as it was promoted to world championship status from the ETCC. But I'd say the true success of that series was the Eurosport Super Racing Weekends which tied it in with the FIA GT championship, and all on an easily digestible TV package.

 

TCR as a class seems to work well as long as there isn't an established touring car class in the region already (see TCR UK). South America has a strong touring car series already.

 

I suspect that touring car racing relies heavily on racing what it available in the showrooms at a regional level. Very few family car models are truly worldwide and different parts of the world tend towards different body styles.

[LucaP]

Hate to be harsh but I think it's because they've always been managed by incompetent people.
TCR international was fine with Lotti, who also was doing a decent job with WTCC until about 2008-2009 (so not immediately after it became a world championship. That was in 2005)
Besides, for this kind of series the switch from European Championship to World Cup only entails one trip to Macau and one to Mexico, and that is about it..
If anything, lower costs compared to Gts should make it more viable.

Edited by Luca Pacchiarini, 24 June 2020 - 18:21.

[BRG]

Besides, for this kind of series the switch from European Championship to World Cup only entails one trip to Macau and one to Mexico, and that is about it..

In 2019, WTCR races in Africa (Morocco), China (Ningbo and Macau) Japan and Malaysia.  SO 5 out of the 10 races was outside Europe.

[SenorSjon]

Their calendar is utter crap. There is months between races and hardly a soul turns up for those races. They have had support classes (F3) going faster than them. Also it is a bit of a retirement home for drivers and race standards.

 

In 2019 (week gaps):

round 1: start in april

round 2: 3 

round 3: 2

round 4: 1

round 5: 5

round 6: 2

round 7: 10

round 8: 6

round 9: 3

round 10: 4 

 

Between rounds 6 and 9 almost 20 weeks. End the season earlier or so instead of stretching it out endless. 2018 was somewhat better, but still a very long summer break.

[juicy sushi]

I think PayasyouRace nailed it.  Touring Car racing is inherently local stuff, so a world championship isn't well suited to the concept.  The need for a global calendar does also lead to some very poor choices for venues because the promoters are willing to pay, which just makes things worse because the product becomes sub-par.

[Risil]

And of course a championship that limits itself to one or a few countries is just cheaper to run, and is often easier to find sponsorship for as marketing budgets aren't normally put into intercontinental campaigns.

[Risil]

I should say though that it's really cool that the touring car world cup goes to the proper Nurburgring and the Salzburgring. I'm well up for those two.

[juicy sushi]

I think another problem is that while touring car racing is on the lower-end of the budget scale (DTM/NASCAR aside), the travel costs for shipping stuff around the world are the same as any other championship, which likely puts a significant additional hurdle in front of intercontinental touring car championships.

[LucaP]

In 2019, WTCR races in Africa (Morocco), China (Ningbo and Macau) Japan and Malaysia. SO 5 out of the 10 races was outside Europe.

Yes, I meant when ETCC became WTCC. My bad

[ezequiel]

So Santi Urrutia confirmed as Lynk & Co's fourth driver. After finishing third in TCR Europe last season, which was his debut full season in FWD touring cars, at first he was going to replace Gordon Shedden as JK Vernay's teammate in WTCR with Audi factory support, but the German make quitted and Urrutia decided to go for a fourth non consecutive season in Indy Lights. Then Indy Lights got cancelled and he landed a seat in Formula Regional Americas for the opening round but he was absent for round 2. And now these news! Apparently he participated in a shootout with other three drivers and got the nod.

[balage06]

Our local media suggested a Pechito comeback earlier, so I'm a touch disappointed.

[balage06]

Team Mulsanne will field a single Giulietta with Jean-Karl Vernay at the wheel

https://www.touringc...anne-wtcr-seat/

 

And Zengő Motorsport announces three drivers for their WTCR campaign:

Mikel Azcona, Bence Boldizs and six-times Hungarian champion Gabor Kismarty-Lechner

https://www.facebook...215803401832760

 

Lynk & Co: Yvan Muller, Yann Ehrlacher, Thed Bjork, Santiago Urrutia

BRC Hyundai: Norbert Michelisz, Gabriele Tarquini

Engstler Hyundai: Nick Catsburg, Luca Engstler

Münnich Honda: Attila Tassi, Esteban Guerrieri, Tiago Monteiro, Nestor Girolami

Comtoyou Audi: Tom Coronel, Nathanael Berthon

Mulsanne Alfa: Jean-Karl Vernay

Zengo Cupra: Mikel Azcona, Bence Boldizs, Gabor Kismarty-Lechner

[HistoryFan]

Gilles Magnus also driving for Comtoyou:

 

Lynk & Co: Yvan Muller, Yann Ehrlacher, Thed Bjork, Santiago Urrutia

BRC Hyundai: Norbert Michelisz, Gabriele Tarquini

Engstler Hyundai: Nick Catsburg, Luca Engstler

Münnich Honda: Attila Tassi, Esteban Guerrieri, Tiago Monteiro, Nestor Girolami

Comtoyou Audi: Tom Coronel, Nathanael Berthon, Gilles Magnus

Mulsanne Alfa: Jean-Karl Vernay

Zengo Cupra: Mikel Azcona, Bence Boldizs, Gabor Kismarty-Lechner

[balage06]

Full entry list revealed

 

Lynk & Co: Yvan Muller, Yann Ehrlacher, Thed Bjork, Santiago Urrutia

BRC Hyundai: Norbert Michelisz, Gabriele Tarquini

Engstler Hyundai: Nick Catsburg, Luca Engstler

Münnich Honda: Attila Tassi, Esteban Guerrieri, Tiago Monteiro, Nestor Girolami

Comtoyou Audi: Tom Coronel, Nathanael Berthon, Gilles Magnus

Mulsanne Alfa: Jean-Karl Vernay

Zengo Cupra: Mikel Azcona, Bence Boldizs, Gabor Kismarty-Lechner

Vukovic Renault: Jack Young

[OvDrone]

I for one am really looking forward for the season to start.

[ezequiel]

Zolder, round 1: First practice results

 

Honda and Audi looking strong. Cupra not so much.

[balage06]

Unfortunately Zengő got the Cupras in the last minute, so they start the season with zero testing.

[BRG]

Round 2 a Lynk&Co walkover.

 

Why doesn't WTCR generate better racing?  The BTCC is fought out tooth and nail every race but WTCR is so often processional.

[balage06]

Oh boy, Hyundai withdraws all four cars from the second round:

https://www.touringc...aw-nurburgring/

 

“Hyundai Motorsport has the feeling that neither the company nor its customer teams are given equal treatment in the series to other competitors and are not made to feel welcome.

“Hyundai Motorsport was due to be represented in Germany by BRC Hyundai N LUKOIL Squadra Corse (Norbert Michelisz and Gabriele Tarquini) and Engstler Hyundai N Liqui Moly Racing Team (Luca Engstler and Nicky Catsburg). Both teams are already on site at the Nürburgring.

“Hyundai Motorsport remains committed to demonstrating the high-performance credentials of its racing vehicles on an international stage, in series that are reflective of Hyundai’s N brand.

“The company’s participation in the Nürburgring 24 Hours remains unaffected by this decision.”

Edited by balage06, 24 September 2020 - 07:57.

[BRG]

That sounds like a massive toddler tantrum!

 

End of WTCR as a credible series?  If it ever was...

[LucaP]

It could have been so great.
I believed in it

Lotti please come back and run the series

Edited by LucaP, 24 September 2020 - 10:29.

[ezequiel]

Jeez... I wonder what's going on for them to simply pull out. Drastic.

[BRG]

Jeez... I wonder what's going on for them to simply pull out. Drastic.

Money, without a doubt.  Hyundai have a competitive WRC team and that is far higher profile than WTCR.  In a time of straitened circumstances, they want to put their money where it counts IMO.

[balage06]

So I guess you guys haven't followed this saga too closely, it's all about the BoP. Hyundai probably has the strongest TCR car, but the organizers overcompensate by taking away way too much power from them. Then also there is the issue with the unified ECU, some manufacturers lose too much performance with it, but the late arrivals and privateers, like the Audi and the Renault teams can still use their own ECU with a little bit weight compensation and the whole field turned upside down in terms of power rankings. The whole thing is a mess and Hyundai had enough of that.