Photo: Zolder

WTCR season opener moved from Salzburgring to Zolder

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The opening round of the 2020 World Touring Car Cup opener has been moved to Zolder in Belgium, with the new campaign set to get underway as part of a bumper weekend of racing that also includes the TCR Europe series next month.

The late decision to move the opening round of the season, being run entirely in Europe as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, came after circuit bosses at the Salzburgring elected not to run the event planned for the weekend of 12-13 September.

Zolder has now stepped in to host the WTCR on the same date, with the change of calendar having already been ratified by the FIA.

“Having to change venues less than three weeks before the start of the season was very unexpected but the immediate priority was to present an alternative solution and we thank the FIA and President Jean Todt for approving the new season-opening plan at such short notice,” François Ribeiro, Head of series promoter Eurosport Events, said.

“While adjusting the schedule at short notice is not ideal, we have, from the outset, always strived to maintain the maximum number of events possible. This is to ensure the credibility of the sporting contest with the best interests of all our stakeholders at heart. The partnership with Circuit Zolder, which has a strong record of staging international motorsport events, provides this opportunity.

“Together with the FIA and the Circuit Zolder management, we are monitoring the situation regarding the spread of COVID-19 in Europe to help ensure the participation of all the WTCR teams coming from different European countries.”

As well as hosting the opening rounds of the WTCR season, which will run behind closed doors, Zolder will also be the venue for the WTCR official test on 10 September.