Pau to host season opener as Most cancelled

The 2022 WTCR season will now get underway in France after the planned opening event of the campaign in the Czech Republic was cancelled.

Autodrom Most had been due to host round one on the weekend of 9–10 April, but has now been cancelled in response to the state of emergency that was declared in the country on March 4 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“The decision to cancel WTCR Race of Czech Republic at such short notice is obviously unfortunate and we are fully aware of the disruption and inconvenience this will cause, not just for the teams and other stakeholders, but also for the fans. But we must accept there are more important things in the world than sport right now,” said Jean-Baptiste Ley, WTCR Director, Discovery Sports Events.

“It was crucial to take the decision on WTCR Race of Czech Republic as quickly as possible to avoid a last-minute cancellation should the state of emergency be extended. We are finalising an initiative to support wider fund-raising efforts to help those displaced and we will be announcing more details soon. For now, our thoughts are with all those people suffering and we hope for a swift and peaceful resolution.”

The cancellation of the Russian round in Sochi in August following the invasion of Ukraine was also ratified during the latest FIA World Motorsport Council meeting to officially remove the meeting from the calendar.

Eight events now remain on the 2022 schedule, starting on the streets of Pau in early May.

Promoter Discovery Sports Events, is evaluating possible replacement events for both the Czech and Russian meetings.

WTCR − FIA World Touring Car Cup 2022 calendar

May 7/8 – France – Circuit de Pau-Ville
May 26/28 – Germany – Nürburgring Nordschleife
June 11/12 – Hungary – Hungaroring
June 25/26 – Spain – MotorLand Aragón
July 2/3 – Portugal – Circuito do Vila Real
October 8/9 – South Korea – Inje Speedium
November 5/6 – China – Ningbo International Speedpark
November 18/20 – Macau – Circuito da Guia