International Series debut for the Kia Cee’d TCR delayed

The highly-anticipated debut in the TCR International Series of the Kia Cee’d TCR will not take place at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend, as had been previously scheduled. The STARD-built car was due to be run by Zengo Motorsport, with Ferenc Ficza at the wheel, but plans have changed at the last minute.

Ficza will still be present on the grid, continuing to race a SEAT León TCR as he had in the first two events, although this weekend the car will be run by Zengo Motorsport, instead of the Austrian Zele Racing team.

STARD CEO Michael Sakowicz told TouringCarTimes: “Unfortunately, there was a delay from the manufacturer, and we didn’t make it in time for Spa-Francorchamps, which is sad. However, we are planning to introduce the The Cee’d TCR in Salzburg (on June, 11th).”

The Kia Cee’d TCR has already raced in the TCR Iberian Series, with José Pedro Faria and Joao Baptista sharing driving duties. The car has also been running in the STCC pre-season testing at the hands of Nicklas Oscarsson. When asked to elaborate, Sakowicz replied: “Both cars will race in the championships they have entered. The reason why they have already received the cars is that Zengo decided later than them, so they received the car earlier. We thought we would make it for Spa-Francorchamps in the TCR International Series, it’s just unfortunate we couldn’t.”

Sources from the TCR International Series organisation have told TouringCarTimes that until the Kia Cee’d TCR races in the International Series, it will not be homologated. As a consequence, they say this means the results from the TCR Iberian Series and the STCC will be sub judice until the Cee’d makes its International debut.