Motorsports

Touring Cars Are Coming To Singapore!

BY Azfar Hashim

New TCR International Series joins Porsche Carrera Cup Asia as official support race at this year's Formula 1

New touring car championship, TCR International Series, will make its debut on the streets of Singapore, joining Porsche Carrera Cup Asia as official support races for the 2015 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix which will take place at the Marina Bay Street Circuit from September 18th to 20th.

An exciting newcomer to the world motor racing stage, the TCR International Series is for production touring cars, bringing major manufacturers such as Ford, Honda, Opel, Seat and Volkswagen together in a keenly-contested 11-round global series.

Stefano Comini from team Target Competition

The TCR International Series, which is part of three Formula One events this year, namely Malaysia and China besides Singapore, features some of Europe and Asia’s best drivers.

Jordi Gene from Team Craft-Bamboo Lukoil

The cars, all making their debut in Singapore, are every bit as recognisable with the new Volkswagen Golf R, Honda Civic TCR, Ford Focus ST, and other Euro hot-hatches like the Seat León and Opel Astra OPC. A GT3-style balance of performance formula ensures level competition. All cars in the TCR International field use two-litre production-based turbo-charged engines putting out around 330 bhp and using six-speed sequential gearboxes. No telemetry, no driver aids: TCR is about making racing as affordable and uncomplicated as possible.

Mr Colin Syn, Deputy Chairman of Singapore GP Pte Ltd, said the inclusion of two international support categories again proves the event has some of the best on-track action to support F1. “The new TCR International Series, together with Porsche Carrera Cup Asia will ensure there’s plenty happening on-track at the 2015 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, along with Formula One.”