Argentina and Uruguay set for slot on 2023 WTCR calendar

The FIA World Touring Car Cup looks set to return to South America for two rounds in 2023, one in Argentina and one in Uruguay.

“Yes, we have been working on this project for a year, under the lead of Felipe McGough,” said Julio Maglione, president of the Uruguayan Racing Drivers Association to Motor Mario. “I’m also working on this, and we could do this if we bring together the efforts between Argentina and Uruguay.

“There are very big possibilities of WTCR racing in Uruguay. We have met with the Sports Secretariat of Uruguay and also with the Rivera management.”

The last time World Touring Cars raced in South America was during the 2017 WTCC season at Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo in Argentina.

“It’s our intention to go more global in 2023, having been confined to Europe due to the pandemic in recent seasons, and South America is obviously an interesting target,” said Jean-Baptiste Ley, WTCR Director, Discovery Sports Events to TouringCarTimes.

“As promoter of the WTCR, Discovery Sports Events has begun discussions with South American countries and is studying all opportunities.”

Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo could be one of the venues set for a 2023 calendar slot, while the Uruguayan round would most likely take place at Riviera or El Pinar.

“We are working to see whether we can have WTCR at Rivera, or at El Pinar, with modifications,” said Maglione.

“The Uruguayan government wants that, if they are going to put money in for the upgrading works, these will remain for the people’s use. If they make the effort, they want Uruguay to have a circuit that can be used in the future.

“Today the only appropriate ones are Rivera and El Pinar, with Pinar needing a lot of modifications. But they don’t see it as impossible, as it would be upgraded and ready to receive other international categories.”