The new 2023 TCR World Tour will feature a round on the iconic Mount Panorama circuit next year, it has been confirmed, with the Bathurst International to feature on the inaugural international calendar.
The announcement means that international touring car racing will feature in Australia for the first time since the 1987 World Touring Car Championship, promising at least 16 international TCR entrants on the grid of next year’s event, alongside the TCR Australia regulars.
WSC President Marcello Lotti is making a visit to the season finale of this year’s TCR Australia series, where the news was revealed on Saturday.
A second round will also be held in Australia, with the circuit to be utilised still to be revealed, with talks between TCR Australia promoter ARG, TCR rights holder WSC and venues ongoing.
Next year’s TCR World Tour will feature nine rounds in total – four in Europe, two in South America, two in Australia and one in Asia.
“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 WSC President 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 of promoter Australian Racing Group, believes that Bathurst is an ideal venue for the recently-announced World Tour.
“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.”