Most, Pau-Arnos and Sochi added to revised WTCR calendar

The final part of the FIA World Touring Car Cup calendar has been revised, with the Asian leg scrapped and replaced by three European rounds in Czech Republic, France and Russia.

“Replacing the Asia events on the 2021 calendar was not an easy decision and certainly not something we wanted to do, but it was the only option on the table in order to protect our stakeholders and give us the best possible chance of delivering the planned 16 races and prolonging what is already proving to be another epic title fight,” said François Ribeiro, Head of Eurosport Events.

“We explored every possibility to keep the Asia events but had to accept delaying our return to Asia for another season was the only course of action open to us, as we simply couldn’t risk sending freight halfway round the world with no guarantee that it will be possible to go ahead with the events in Asia.”

Autodrom Most will host the fifth round of the season on October 9-10 and Circuit Pau-Arnos will host the sixth round one week later, October 16-17.

Adria has been moved to the first weekend in November following the delayed circuit construction works while Sochi Autodrom in Russia will host the season finale on November 27-28.

“In these unprecedented times, calendar changes are something we are prepared for,” said Alan Gow, President, FIA Touring Car Commission.

“Given the fluid nature of the pandemic, it was essential to safeguard the calendar as quickly as possible. Eurosport Events has therefore put in place a strong schedule of events to complete the season, while also giving three countries and their ASNs the opportunity to host the WTCR for the first time.

“The calendar additions are venues new to world- level touring car racing, with each having its own unique characteristics. This provides the drivers and their teams with a fresh challenge and gives the fans something extra to look forward to. We are set for a fascinating second part of the season.”

Updated FIA World Touring Car Cup 2021 calendar
03-05 June – Nürburgring Nordschleife – Germany
26-27 June – Circuito do Estoril – Portugal
10-11 July – MotorLand Aragón – Spain
21-22 August – Hungaroring – Hungary
09-10 October – Autodrom Most – Czech Republic
16-17 October – Circuit Pau-Arnos** – France
06-07 November – Adria International Raceway** – Italy
27-28 November – Sochi Autodrom*** – Russia

** Subject to issuing of FIA Grade 3 homologation certificate
*** Subject to governmental approval