WTCR heads to the Ring of the Rhine for a popular festival

After ignoring France during its first years of existence, the World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) is catching up. Since the fall of 2021, two circuits located in the southwest of France have been visited (Pau-Arnos and Pau-Ville), to which will be added the Ring of the Rhine (Alsace) on August 7 and 8.

Located in Blitzheim in the Haut-Rhin department, the track will host its very first world-class competition thanks to the efforts of communities as well as Discovery Events, the promoter of the WTCR.

Present at a press conference presentation in the heart of the National Automobile Museum – Schlumpf Collection, Yann Ehrlacher and Yvan Muller (Lynk & Co) will be the standard bearers for this unique event in Alsace, their land of birth.

“We try to represent France and in particular Alsace in our competitions,” said the double title holder, nephew of Yvan Muller. Being able to do it at home will be an event, without a doubt a key point in my career because very often, the Alsatian public cannot come and see us because of our schedule. We often drive in Asia or foreign countries. »

The Muller family played an important role in bringing the WTCR to Alsace. “We came up with this project almost as a joke (when the Sochi round in Russia was canceled. Ed.), recognized Joshua Reibel, Director of the Ring of the Rhine. Discovery Sports Events then spoke about it with you, and you came back to see us almost the next day. Without your support, we would not be here today. »

Yann Ehrlacher recently had the honor ofinaugurate a chicane in his name on the 3,6 km circuit. “I do a race at the Rhine ring every year (the 500 Km, which he won three times. Editor’s note). I know a little about the circuit but it was mainly Yvan who knew the feasibility of such a project thanks to his experience. »

For Yvan Muller, this ordeal will be particularly moving to experience. The record holder for WTCC titles (four) and still a tenor of world tourism despite his 52 years will return to a track he walked... in the last century. “25 years ago, when the circuit opened, Yvan came to test on the circuit, recalls François Rinaldi, the Owner and CEO of the circuit. At the time, I thought: “It would be great if one day, instead of doing tests, Yvan would race here. » That's it, the dream will come true. »

Thank you to the local community leaders who follow us (Grand-Est, European Community of Alsace, Mulhouse Alsace Agglomération, Colmar Agglomération and the Community of Communes of Center Haut-Rhin). It takes real political courage in 2022 to agree to support motor sports, which are not very well viewed politically today. »

In terms of entertainment, the Alsatian event will be able to count on a demonstration of a Minardi Formula 1 from 2005 equipped with a melodious V10 engine. On Bugatti grounds, a parade of around ten pre-war Bugattis will be there between the two races on Sunday. The public will be able to meet all the WTCR drivers free of charge on Friday August 5 at 17 p.m. on the Place de la Réunion in the heart of the old town of Mulhouse.

It is possible to get places on the Anneau du Rhin site from 29 euros per day (Saturday or Sunday) and 49 euros for the weekend. Entrance will be free for children under 12, as will access to the paddock for everyone. Payment on the natural stands will be free.

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