A new touring car series in Japan will be added to the ever-growing list of TCR series worldwide in 2019, with the official announcement of the new TCR Japan series for next year.
A six-year deal until 2024 has been agreed between WSC Ltd, the TCR rights holder, and Japan TCR Management, for the new series.
WSC President Marcello Lotti is hoping that the announcement of the new series will entice other Japanese brands to develop TCR cars, with only Honda and Subaru cars having been developed to-date.
“We are very proud to see the TCR concept successfully taking root in Japan,” said Lotti. “Over the last two years a TCR class has been run within the frame of the popular Super Taikyu endurance series, showing how competitive and entertaining TCR races are.
“We are confident that the upcoming TCR Japan Series, with its sprint races, will be an instant success with Japan’s competent motorsport fans and will attract other Japanese car manufacturers.”
Akira Kurashita, president of Japan TCR Management, is hoping that racing fans will come to support the new series, held in conjunction with the country’s top single-seater category.
“We are extremely delighted to become part of the TCR family, which is one of the fastest growing sprint race series in the world,” said Kurashita. “The TCR Japan Series will be held in conjunction with Super Formula, Japan’s top category of open-wheel racing.
“Fans will be able to watch both the high-level of touring car racing, as well as top-class formula race action on the same day.
“I certainly hope that motor sports enthusiasts will come out to the track to watch our races.”
The new series will follow a similar format to other TCR series’, with two races spaced out over the weekend, with one of the notable differences being a separate qualifying session for each race.
The provisional calendar is expected to be unveiled before the end of October.