Photo: TCR Media

Argentina to be replaced by Red Bull Ring

The Argentinian round of the TCR International Series has been cancelled and replaced by another race in Austria, although at the Red Bull Ring this time.

The eighth round of the season will therefore take place at the host of the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix on July 12th, along with the European Le Mans Series.

“It was not an easy decision to take,” admitted WSC’s CEO Marcello Lotti. “We had to be realistic and consider that the technical development of the new TCR cars is taking more time that expected and going overseas would have forced some brands to skip the event. On the contrary, re-scheduling the event in Europe will give them the opportunity to complete the development steps without further delaying their participation in the races.”

Shipping the cars to South America would effectively had made it difficult for teams like Proteam, who are still working on their updated Ford Focus, to take part in the event.

The decision also means that the TCR International Series will enjoy being part of the ELMS weekend, as well as racing with the Formula Renault 3.5 Series.

“This is one of the issues you must be prepared to face during the maiden season of a brand new category. We are especially grateful to Gérard Neveu and the whole ELMS staff for giving us the opportunity to join in their event at the Red Bull Ring.”

Argentina remains in the plans of WSC and the event is likely to take place next year: “South America remains one of our main areas of interest. We are planning to organise a press conference in Buenos Aires in the near future to announce our final plans of racing there next year.”

A race in Chile was also cancelled a few months ago, meaning that the TCR International Series will have to renounce the South American leg of the calendar for its maiden season. The race at the Red Bull Ring will therefore mark the end of the European season, with the championship scheduled to join the Formula One World Championship support package at Marina Bay, Singapore, before heading to the two final rounds at Buriram, Thailand, and Macau.