Bathurst International to join the 2023 TCR World Tour

By Bruce Williams

Date posted: 12 November 2022

Confirmation that the Bathurst International will join the newly created international TCR ‘World Tour’ beginning in 2023.

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, taking in nine rounds at some of the world’s most iconic touring car venues.

Out of the announcement is the big news that Australia will host two rounds of ‘World Tour’, with the second event and venue yet to be confirmed. It is however likely to be an existing major event with timing that works for the visiting teams.

WSC Group president Marcello Lotti has confirmed that TCR World Tour will compete in the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International, while attending this this years event.

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.

“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 truly international field of cars racing against the very strong TCR Australia Series teams.” Lotti confirmed.

WSC Group president Marcello Lotti, on hand to witness the 2022 Bathurst International.
Mount Panorama, Bathurst, New South Wales. Image Daniel Kalisz-ARG

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 International TCR drivers and teams will compete alongside national and domestic TCR series, including Australia, pitching the world’s best against the local entrants.

An excited Liam Curkpatrick – Chief Operating Officer, Australian Racing Group said, “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.

“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,” said Curkpatrick.

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.

2022 Bathurst International – Audi driver Jay Hanson will start the first TCR race from pole position at Mount Panorama, Bathurst- Image: Daniel Kalisz-ARG

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.

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the latest issue of Auto Action.

AUTO ACTION, Australia’s independent voice of motorsport.

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Bathurst International to join the 2023 TCR World Tour

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