Most TCR cars ever in one race: Hankook 24H BARCELONA (1-3 September, 2017)

This weekend, the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya in Montmeló will be hosting the Hankook 24H BARCELONA, round four of the 2017 TOURING CAR ENDURANCE (TCE) SERIES powered by Hankook. For the first time in several years, touring cars and production-based GT4 machines will be taking centre stage in the Catalan endurance racing classic. Many of the SEAT teams in the TCR class will be aiming for outright honours in their brand’s home race, with the factory in Martorell close to the track. However, they will be facing strong competition, not only from the teams with other brands in the TCR class – with a total of no less than 21 entries, the highest-ever number of TCR cars entered in one race! – but also from the teams in the other categories.

Opened in 1991, the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya has hosted a variety of high-profile events, including Olympic cycling competition during the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics, the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix, Moto GP rounds and endurance races. Of course, the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya is familiar territory for drivers, teams and organisers of the CREVENTIC SERIES powered by Hankook. Until last year, the Hankook 24H BARCELONA was a round of the 24H SERIES powered by Hankook, but for this year, the popular event was integrated into the 24H TCE SERIES powered by Hankook. The provisional entry list shows a total of 43 teams, with 21 teams competing in the TCR class. It doesn’t come as a surprise that, the SEAT Leon TCR is the most popular car here. The SEAT Leon is still unbeaten in this year’s 24H TCE SERIES powered by Hankook, with Team Bleekemolen from The Netherlands having won the Hankook 24H SILVERSTONE and Spanish outfit Monlau Competicion having taken top honours at Circuit Paul Ricard and Misano. Of course, both teams will be back in action in Catalunya, as will all the other teams that have scored top three results in the 24H TCE SERIES powered by Hankook this year. The numerous SEAT teams in the TCR class will be facing firm opposition coming from the various teams with the Audi RS 3 LMS. Other TCR class entries are Honda Civic TCR and Volkswagen Golf TCR.

Eleven cars are competing in the SP3-GT4 class, with BMW, Ginetta, GC Automobile, Peugeot, Aston Martin and Porsche. The A3 class has four entries with two Hondas, a SEAT and a BMW, while two BMW M235i Racing Cup cars have been entered for the CUP1 class. The A2 category includes two BMWs and two Renault Clios. Prior to Barcelona, Belgian CUP1 team QSR is leading the overall 24H TCE SERIES teams’ standings, followed by Monlau Competicion from Spain, competing in the TCR class, and British team CWS from the SP3-GT4 class. QSR drivers Mario Timmers, Jimmy de Breucker and Rodrigue Gillion are on top in the overall drivers’ standings.

On Thursday, 31 August, drivers can familiarise themselves with the circuit during two optional private tests of four hours each. On Friday, 1 September, there is another optional private test, with free practice from 17.00-18.00 hrs and qualifying from 18.45-19.45 hrs. Night practice is scheduled from 21.00-22.30 hrs. The race starts on Saturday, 2 September, at noon and ends on Sunday at the same time.

Hankook is the title sponsor and the official tyre partner of the event, Italian-based racing fuel specialist Panta is the official fuel supplier and BRM is the official timekeeping partner. BRM, Speedcom (radio equipment and support) and DRD international (pit equipment, screen protection etc.), Shiny Wheels (wheel cleaning) and Global Crave Catering (freshly squeezed orange juice) will be present with sales and service booths in the paddock.

Live streaming will be available on Motortrend on Demand, the 24H SERIES Youtube channel and the series’ website. The team from Radiolemans.com will be on site for live commentary. Regular updates will be posted on the various social media channels of the CREVENTIC SERIES powered by Hankook: Facebook (24H Series), Twitter (@24HSeries) and Instagram (24H Series), as well as on the series’ website www.24htceseries.com. Of course, live-timing will be available on the website as well. Further information can be found on the series’ website, www.24htceseries.com.