WTCR with 6 rounds in Europe

Faced with the coronavirus crisis, WTCR promoter Eurosport Events had to completely review its calendar for the 2020 season. After approval by the FIA ​​Touring Car Commission on Tuesday May 26, the new program will be established over 6 meetings for a total of 16 races.

“The priority was to compete in as many races as possible to protect the WTCR, jobs and the sport while we have no long-term visibility on how the pandemic will evolve and what government decisions will be taken. There were too many unknowns to ride outside of Europe”, explained François Ribeiro, director of Eurosport Events.

All events will be held in Europe in order to limit logistical difficulties. The Salzburgring, Slovakiaring and Motorland Aragon meetings have been rescheduled. The Nürburgring and Hungaroring events have regained their place on the calendar after being canceled due to government health measures. The promoters are proposing a new trip to Adria to conclude the season, the Italian circuit which hosted the debut of the WTCC in 1987.

“We intend to offer two practice sessions, a three-stage qualification and three races per meeting, with the exception of the Salzburgring and the Nördschleife Nürburgring where two races will be scheduled, explained François Ribeiro. We were able to return to 3 races per weekend by going from ten to 6 rounds, which allows us to maintain the credibility of our discipline and meet the demands of our broadcast partners. Unlike other series, the WTCR is fortunate to offer races in a sprint format which allows so many races to be organized over a weekend. »

Eurosport Events preferred to condense its season at the end of the year rather than postpone part of it to 2021 in the face of uncertainties regarding the future, but also to offer a full season next year. The objective will be to organize 8 meetings (16 races) on two continents, probably Europe and Asia.

Modified 2020 WTCR calendar

Salzburgring (Austria): September 12-13 (2 races)
Nürburgring Nordschleife (Germany): September 24-26 (2 races)
Slovakia Ring (Slovakia) October 10-11 (3 races)
Hungaroring (Hungary): October 17-18 (3 races)
MotorLand Aragón (Spain): October 31-November 1 (3 races)
Adria International Raceway (Italy): November 14-15 (3 races)