ETCR concept relaunched in China for 2025

The ETCR concept has been relaunched in China through a cooperation between Lisheng Sports and Michelin China, featuring a brand new set of electric touring car regulations.

“In recent years, China’s new energy vehicle market and technology have developed rapidly, catalyzing the development of domestic electric racing cars and events,” said Ma Ben, Asia Pacific event director of Michelin.

“As founding partners, Michelin and Lisheng Sports are promoting the ETCR Electric Racing Championship in China.

“Through cooperation in the field of electric vehicle events, we will continue to develop and evaluate new technologies and solutions, and with Michelin’s continuous innovation, we will fulfill our commitment to environmental sustainability.”

A first race car based on the Dongfeng eπ 007 model was unveiled during a media event at the Shanghai International Circuit in June.

Two prototypes are present during the joint FIA TCR World Tour and TCR China round at Zhuzhou this weekend, racing in the TCR China Challenge Cup alongside the regular specification TCR cars.

One of the prototypes was driven by former TCR World Tour front-runner Frédéric Vervisch.

ETCR was originally launched in 2021 by WSC, the TCR rights holders, under the name PURE ETCR. The championship gained FIA status for 2022 but was only held for one season before Discovery Sports Events announced it would withdraw as promoter in early 2023.

The new initiative from Lisheng Sports, the promoters of TCR China and TCR Asia, and Michelin China uses the ETCR name in an agreement with WSC.