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TCR World Tour confirms round at the 2023 Supercheap Auto Bathurst International
WSC Group president Marcello Lotti has confirmed that TCR World Tour will compete in the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International next year.
Lotti, who has made a special visit to Mount Panorama this weekend, has stated that the famous Bathurst circuit will see a minimum of 16 international TCR entrants on the mountain, competing against all of Australia’s full-time TCR entries.
The worldwide boss of the popular turbocharged category also confirmed that WSC and ARG will host a second round in Australia, with parties in discussions with numerous other circuits about the opportunity to host the second TCR World Tour race in Australia later next year.
The TCR World Tour will debut in 2023, taking in nine rounds at some of the world’s most iconic touring car venues.
The TCR World Tour will visit four continents in 2023, with four rounds in Europe, two in America, one in Asia and two in Australia.
The International TCR drivers and teams will compete alongside national and domestic TCR series, including Australia, pitching the world’s best against the local entrants.
The contracted international and full-time TCR Australia entrants will be ensured a place on the 2023 Bathurst International TCR World Tour races. Depending on agreed grid densities at the circuits, national or international wildcards may be accepted.
Belgian-based Audi team Comtoyou Racing is the first TCR World Tour team confirmed, recently committing to four cars for the new TCR World Tour. The Audi team will be one of at least four different brands that will contest the TCR World Tour.
The inaugural Supercheap Auto Bathurst International is underway at Mount Panorama this weekend, including the final round of the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series.
Honda driver Tony D’Alberto currently leads the title charge ahead of Peugeot’s Jordan Cox and Audi star Will Brown.
The TCR Australia cars will contest three 21 lap races, with the first starting at 4pm AEDT today. Audi driver Jay Hanson will start from pole position.
QUOTES
Marcello Lotti
President, WSC Group
“When planning the TCR World Tour, it was a natural decision for us to involve the TCR Australia Series and the Bathurst International as part of it,” said Lotti.
“As soon as I arrived at Mount Panorama this weekend, I realised why this circuit is regarded as one of the best in the world and why all international drivers want to race here.
“I have been for a lap of the track. It is unbelievable, and for me, it was clear that we have made the right decision to confirm that TCR World Tour will race here next year and beyond.
“Having TCR World Tour come to Bathurst will make many of the world’s best TCR drivers dreams come true.
“And the fans will be the winners too, seeing a truely international field of cars racing against the very strong TCR Australia Series teams.”
Liam Curkpatrick
Chief Operating Officer, Australian Racing Group
“This is an unbelievable endorsement for the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, having the new TCR World Tour as part of next year’s season,” said Curkpatrick.
“We have not seen an international field of touring cars compete at Mount Panorama in 25 years, so it will really put Bathurst back on the map.
“There is no better place to host TCR World Tour, and we’re looking forward to confirming the details of the second event that will only add to the value for our TCR Australia entrants.”