TCR International Series unveils 2016 calendar
The calendar of the 2016 TCR International Series will follow the same pattern as that of the maiden season, but with a few important changes of venues.
The series is aiming to support three Formula 1 events once again. “We are currently negotiating with the Formula One Management, and our wish is to be part of the Bahrain, Singapore and Malaysia Grands Prix. Which would result in a season’s kick off in Bahrain on April 3,” promoter Marcello Lotti explained.
Six other race meetings will be held in Europe at Estoril (24 April, with the GT Open and TCR Portugal), Spa (8 May, with the World Endurance Championship), Monza (22 May, with TCR Italy), Salzburgring (5 June), Oschersleben (19 June, with TCR Germany) and Sochi (3 July).
The TCR International Series will then move to the Far East for the final part of the season with the two F1 events at Singapore and Sepang, China (together with the China Touring Car Championship), Thailand and the Macau Guia Race on November 20.
Figures speak of TCR successful maiden season
The 2015 TCR International Series came to its end two weeks ago in Macau and the outcome of its maiden season exceeded expectations, as is clearly proved by the figures.
68 drivers of 22 nationalities entered in the series’ 11 events, at the wheel of cars of seven different brands: Audi, Ford, Honda, Opel, SEAT, Subaru and Volkswagen.
45 of those drivers scored points for the championship, 10 of them claimed race victories, 12 were in the lead during the 22 races and 7 set pole positions.
Looking at the car manufacturers that were represented, 4 won at least one race (SEAT, Honda, Audi and Volkswagen), while a fifth (Opel) achieved one podium result and was in the lead for some laps.
The average participation was more than 18 cars per event.
“We are obviously very pleased with how this inaugural season went. Especially when we consider that one year ago many people decided to sit and wait for what we were actually going to deliver. I believe that the first season has provided an answer to all of them. The figures say everything about the rapidly growing interest from drivers, teams and car manufacturers. But they are also evidence of how well the TCR International Series is fulfilling its task of promoting the TCR concept in many different countries worldwide,” commented promoter Marcello Lotti, who added: “For 2016, it is not reckless to predict that at least a couple of other car manufacturers will be represented and that TCR-spec cars will be competing in more than 180 races through national or regional championships around the globe.”
Testing programme continues for the Giulietta TCR
The Romeo Ferraris-built Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCR continues its development programme. Following the first ever track test, which took place last week at the San Martino del Lago circuit near to Cremona, the car ran again Tuesday and Wednesday at the same track. During the two days, the weather became fine after a foggy morning; Michela Cerruti and Salvatore Tavano took turns at the wheel once again. They were unanimous in saying: “The car has exceeded our expectations.”
The two drivers focused on the set up, making numerous pit stops for the adjustments. Despite the low temperatures and the fact that they did not complete many laps, both Cerruti and Tavano were able to clock very promising times.
“We were quickly at ease with the Giulietta, which is very good in balance and braking. The engine has an excellent torque and it’s easy to find a good feeling with the car,” the drivers commented.
The company’s CEO Mario Ferraris added: “We have successfully accomplished the preliminary stage, now we are ready to begin the actual development in view of the 2016 season. We have planned several thousand kilometres of test to work on performance and reliability and to decide on the final set up.”
