WTCR returns to the "East Course", the short version of Suzuka

 The legendary corners of the Suzuka circuit (Japan) such as the 130 R or Spoon will not be tackled by the World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) in 2019. The Japanese meeting will take place on the “East Couse” circuit of the roller coaster, i.e. Sector 1 of Suzuka with the famous S of Senna.

This 2,243 km version had already served as a venue for the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) between 2011 and 2013. This decision was taken for safety reasons by those responsible for the circuit, the event promoter and the championship promoter, Eurosport Events.

Indeed, the long version of Suzuka is lined with foam protections in order to host motorcycle competitions. There is no time to remove all these barriers tolerated by the Fédération Internationale de l'Motorcyclisme (FIM) in time for the WTCR, which follows the safety regulations of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). 

Due to this tight timing, only the foam barriers in the first sector will be removed. “Safety is always the priority, explains François Ribeiro, boss of Eurosport Events. Using the “East Course” allows the Japan Race to take place normally because it is possible to change the barriers over three km. »

En conséquence, les Course 1 et 2 se dérouleront sur 24 tours, tandis que la Course 3 durera 28 boucles. Cela n’a pas fait sourire Nicky Catsburg (Hyundai), who responded with doubtful smileys on his Twitter account.