Yann Ehrlacher on the TCR: “The promoters need to find a new big advertiser”

Do you find the concept of the TCR World Tour convincing?

Not bad. The calendar has already returned to a global format. We were really missing this since the post-Covid recovery. We discovered new championships. What is complicated is that we have to adapt to the regulations of the countries where we ride. We had to work on the sporting regulations and get to know our opponents at each meeting. This clearly lacks regular competitors during the season, but thanks to the locals the level remains high, because they know their playing field well.

The big change from the WTCR era is that you go a little under the radar…

It's obvious, there were races in TCR Europe where there weren't many spectators. But name me a championship outside F1 et WEC which filled the stands, and again at the 8 Hours of Bahrain, there was no crowd. It's a bit like the current trend in motorsport. Promoters need to find a new big advertiser who would allow us to align ourselves with major events and ensure their promotion. That said, we raced in some very popular meetings in South America and Australia.

Does touring car remain in your career plan given the current stagnation of the discipline?

You have to know how to vary your experiences, but when you are under contract with a manufacturer, it is difficult to find free time to do something else. We have quite a few races on the program and clashes with other programs are inevitable. I don't want to diversify and ultimately have to sacrifice one championship for another. Proportionally, the number of drivers under contract in touring is higher than in GT. We are not that stagnant in our discipline. I am linked to my current employer until the end of 2025. I will see at that time what I will do with my future.

What do you expect in Macau this weekend?

With 40 kilos in the car, it's sure to be tense knowing that Rob Huff and Norbert Michelisz will have no ballast. I'm going to go there based on nerve and experience. I'm going to go all-in in Macau, and take all the risks to compensate for the weight.

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