12
WORLD AND LIFE
TCR 2016
NEWS
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DRIVERS TEAM
Bahrain International Circuit Chief
Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al
Khalifa commented: “We would like to
thank TCR for their passion and drive
in organising the first-ever TCR Middle
East Series. We fully support this
championship and we are excited to see
its contributions to the vibrant
motorsport culture in the region. We
look forward to hosting the third and
final round of the season in March of
2017 and we expect a full grid of some
of the most talented racers from our
part of the world.”
The foundations of the series were laid
during the TCR International Series
race meeting at the Bahrain
International Circuit earlier in the
season, when TCR Chief Executive
Marcello Lotti had the opportunity to
meet with local promoters and drivers.
“We found a lot of enthusiasm from the
promoters, the circuits and the
National Sporting Authorities. It is
clear that motorsport is gaining
popularity in the Middle East, as has
been proved by the building of several
top-level racetracks and the success of
international races such as the 24
Hours of Dubai. This is also helping
local drivers to become more
experienced and competitive, as we
saw with the performance of Salman Al
Khalifa and Hussain Karimi when they
joined the TCR International Series
during the F1 Grand Prix event. The
Middle East series may be also
interesting for Europe-based teams and
drivers, offering them the opportunity
to race during what is considered the
off-season in Europe. Which is why the
series will finish in March, giving the
teams enough time to ship the cars
back for the beginning of the national
championships.”
2017TCRMiddle East calendar
12/13 January - Dubai Autodrome
9/10 February – YasMarina Circuit,AbuDhabi
9/10March – Bahrain International Circuit
➦
www.middleeast.tcr-series.com