The TCR International Series returns to Oschersleben
Rounds 13 & 14 – Oschersleben – 8 / 9 July 2017
PREVIEW
The TCR International Series returns to Oschersleben’s Motorsport Arena for the second consecutive year.
Built in 1997 and partially modified in 2007, this modern racetrack has always been a favourite of Touring Car drivers for its demanding layout that offers several opportunities to overtake and German fans enjoy the door-to-door battles between the cars.
Last year, Mat’o Homola claimed his first TCR win in the first race, beating Dušan Borković and James Nash who finished second and third again in the second race that was won by Pepe Oriola.
The SEAT cars dominated the event, as they filled the top-five places in both races.
This year the TCR competitors will use the circuit’s older layout that includes the smoother “esses” at the end of the pit straight instead of the sharper left-hander. This is to limit the risk of a pile up at the start and to favour overtaking manoeuvres.
Track activity will be concentrated into two days: two Free Practice sessions and the Qualifying on Saturday, with both races on Sunday.
TCR at Oschersleben – the event at a glance
Lap distance: 3.66 km
Race distance: 17 laps
Start: standing
Grids: determined by Qualifying results (Q1+Q2) with top-10 reversed for Race 2
Race distance: 17 laps
Start: standing
Grids: determined by Qualifying results (Q1+Q2) with top-10 reversed for Race 2
Timetable:
Saturday, 09:15/09:45 - Free Practice 1
Saturday, 12:00/12:30 - Free Practice 2
Saturday, 15:00/15:35 - Qualifying (Q1 + Q2)
Sunday, 12:35 - Race 1
Sunday, 14:35 - Race 2
Saturday, 09:15/09:45 - Free Practice 1
Saturday, 12:00/12:30 - Free Practice 2
Saturday, 15:00/15:35 - Qualifying (Q1 + Q2)
Sunday, 12:35 - Race 1
Sunday, 14:35 - Race 2
all times: GMT +2
M1RA drivers Tassi and Colciago defend the top positions
The previous event at the Hungaroring turned out very much in favour of Hungary-based M1RA. Attila Tassi claimed his first TCR victory in Race 1 and immediately encored in Race 2, jumping to the top of the Drivers’ classification in the process.
His teammate Roberto Colciago was classified fourth and fifth, which helped him to retain the second position overall, six points behind his teammate.
Jean-Karl Vernay of Leopard Racing was a podium finisher (third) in Race 1 and was able to stay third in the standings with a gap of 13 points, while Stefano Comini, who had arrived in Hungary as the series leader, had a disappointing weekend and dropped to fourth. However, the Comtoyou Racing driver remains within striking distance, 25 points behind Tassi.
Pepe Oriola of Lukoil Craft-Bamboo ranked fifth and second in the two Hungarian races and remains in contention for the title fight; fifth in the standings with a gap of 42 points.
His teammate Roberto Colciago was classified fourth and fifth, which helped him to retain the second position overall, six points behind his teammate.
Jean-Karl Vernay of Leopard Racing was a podium finisher (third) in Race 1 and was able to stay third in the standings with a gap of 13 points, while Stefano Comini, who had arrived in Hungary as the series leader, had a disappointing weekend and dropped to fourth. However, the Comtoyou Racing driver remains within striking distance, 25 points behind Tassi.
Pepe Oriola of Lukoil Craft-Bamboo ranked fifth and second in the two Hungarian races and remains in contention for the title fight; fifth in the standings with a gap of 42 points.
Balance of Performance revised to save brakes and tyres
The TCR Technical Department made a significant revision to the Balance of Performance list in order to improve the working conditions of tyres and brakes.
The running weight of every model has been reduced by either 10 or 20 kilos. A 20-kilo weight break was granted to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta (-20 kg), Audi RS3 LMS (+25 kg), KIA cee’d and Subaru STI (both -40 kg), Peugeot 308 (-60 kg), Volkswagen Golf GTI (-20 kg) and SEAT León (-20 kg). The Honda Civic (+30 kg), Opel Astra (+10 kg) and SEAT León DSG (-20 kg) have all benefited from a 10-kilo reduction.
On top of this, the ride height of the Audi RS3 LMS DSG and the SEAT León DSG was further reduced to 60mm.
This scale will be applied immediately and until further notice.
The running weight of every model has been reduced by either 10 or 20 kilos. A 20-kilo weight break was granted to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta (-20 kg), Audi RS3 LMS (+25 kg), KIA cee’d and Subaru STI (both -40 kg), Peugeot 308 (-60 kg), Volkswagen Golf GTI (-20 kg) and SEAT León (-20 kg). The Honda Civic (+30 kg), Opel Astra (+10 kg) and SEAT León DSG (-20 kg) have all benefited from a 10-kilo reduction.
On top of this, the ride height of the Audi RS3 LMS DSG and the SEAT León DSG was further reduced to 60mm.
This scale will be applied immediately and until further notice.
Success ballast for Tassi and Oriola at Oschersleben
Attila Tassi’s double victory in his home event at the Hungaroring meant that the young M1RA driver took the leadership in the standings for the first time, but also that his Honda Civic will be laden by the maximum Success Ballast of 30 kilos at Oschersleben.
The second-best scorer in Hungary was Tassi’s team principal and occasional teammate Norbert Michelisz, therefore he will receive 20 kilos of Success Ballast in the case of a further participation in the International Series. Pepe Oriola of Lukoil Craft-Bamboo will carry the 10 kilos of Success Ballast imposed to the third best scorer of the previous event.
As a result, Tassi’s Honda will weigh 1345kg (1285kg minimum weight + 30kg Success Ballast + 30kg Balance of Performance adjustment) and Oriola’s SEAT León 1295kg (1285kg + 10kg SB - 10kg BoP).
The second-best scorer in Hungary was Tassi’s team principal and occasional teammate Norbert Michelisz, therefore he will receive 20 kilos of Success Ballast in the case of a further participation in the International Series. Pepe Oriola of Lukoil Craft-Bamboo will carry the 10 kilos of Success Ballast imposed to the third best scorer of the previous event.
As a result, Tassi’s Honda will weigh 1345kg (1285kg minimum weight + 30kg Success Ballast + 30kg Balance of Performance adjustment) and Oriola’s SEAT León 1295kg (1285kg + 10kg SB - 10kg BoP).
Luca Engstler ready to debut in the International Series
Luca Engstler will make his debut in the TCR International Series at Oschersleben. The 17-year old son of Franz Engstler will be at the wheel of a Volkswagen Golf GTI run by his father’s Junior Team Engstler.
The German teenager has already successfully taken his first steps in Touring Car competition by winning his maiden race: the opening round of the TCR Middle East Series at Dubai last January. He eventually was classified third in the series’ final standings.
Engstler is currently competing in the ADAC TCR Germany series, of which he’s leading the Junior Trophy.
"It will be a very stressing weekend as I will race in both the International and the German series. I will need to make an effort to maintain concentration amongst all the sessions and races. My priority remains the Junior Trophy of the German series, but I also wish to make a good impression while racing against the top international drivers,” said Engstler.
The German teenager has already successfully taken his first steps in Touring Car competition by winning his maiden race: the opening round of the TCR Middle East Series at Dubai last January. He eventually was classified third in the series’ final standings.
Engstler is currently competing in the ADAC TCR Germany series, of which he’s leading the Junior Trophy.
"It will be a very stressing weekend as I will race in both the International and the German series. I will need to make an effort to maintain concentration amongst all the sessions and races. My priority remains the Junior Trophy of the German series, but I also wish to make a good impression while racing against the top international drivers,” said Engstler.
Boutsen Ginion Racing returns with Aurélien Panis
The Boutsen Ginion Racing will rejoin the TCR International Series from the German event at Oschersleben and for the rest of the season.
After successfully taking part in its home event at Spa-Francorchamps with two Honda Civic cars for Tom Coronel and Benjamin Lessennes (who finished second and fifth), the Belgian team has entered one Civic for Aurélien Panis, the 22-year old son of former Formula One driver Olivier.
After an apprenticeship in different single-seater series, Panis has moved to Touring Cars during the current season, driving a Honda Civic in the FIA World Championship.
Panis commented: "I am very happy to join the Boutsen Ginion Racing team for the end of the TCR International Series and also to continue the adventure with Honda in a competitive team. While trying to fight for the best possible results, I am very excited to start this new challenge in Oschersleben!"
After successfully taking part in its home event at Spa-Francorchamps with two Honda Civic cars for Tom Coronel and Benjamin Lessennes (who finished second and fifth), the Belgian team has entered one Civic for Aurélien Panis, the 22-year old son of former Formula One driver Olivier.
After an apprenticeship in different single-seater series, Panis has moved to Touring Cars during the current season, driving a Honda Civic in the FIA World Championship.
Panis commented: "I am very happy to join the Boutsen Ginion Racing team for the end of the TCR International Series and also to continue the adventure with Honda in a competitive team. While trying to fight for the best possible results, I am very excited to start this new challenge in Oschersleben!"
Leopard Racing fields a third car for Jaap van Lagen
In order to secure maximum support for Jean-Karl Vernay in his fight for the TCR International Series title, Leopard Racing will field a third Volkswagen Golf GTI car in Oschersleben.
The Belgian team has called in Jaap van Lagen to complete the line up, alongside Vernay and Rob Huff. The Dutchman has already driven for Leopard Racing in Monza, where he replaced Huff (who had a clashing commitment), but luck was not on his side.
Stopped by an engine issue in Race 1, van Lagen started Race 2 from the back of the grid and could not recover further than the 11th position.
The Belgian team has called in Jaap van Lagen to complete the line up, alongside Vernay and Rob Huff. The Dutchman has already driven for Leopard Racing in Monza, where he replaced Huff (who had a clashing commitment), but luck was not on his side.
Stopped by an engine issue in Race 1, van Lagen started Race 2 from the back of the grid and could not recover further than the 11th position.
Danny Kroes with Ferry Monster Autosport
Danny Kroes is the latest young driver to join the TCR International Series. The 17-year old from the Netherlands will take part in the next race meeting at the Oschersleben Motorsport Arena in a SEAT León run by Ferry Monster Autosport.
“I’m really happy to be able to drive in Oschersleben. I will try my very best to get the most out of the car and myself and to learn from competing at this top level. I am hoping to drive a full season in the TCR International Series next year and this is the ideal platform to show what I am capable of despite having only a few hours of experience in the SEAT León. It is my very first season in Touring Cars after racing a few races last year in Formula 4. Despite this I am sure that the team will give me the best possible car and I am confident that I can be competitive,” Kroes said.
Earlier this year, Kroes took part in the TCR Benelux event at Zandvoort where he finished fourth in the Qualifying Race, sharing the Ferry Monster Autosport car with Pepe Oriola, and then was classified sixth and fifth in the first and second sprint races.
“I’m really happy to be able to drive in Oschersleben. I will try my very best to get the most out of the car and myself and to learn from competing at this top level. I am hoping to drive a full season in the TCR International Series next year and this is the ideal platform to show what I am capable of despite having only a few hours of experience in the SEAT León. It is my very first season in Touring Cars after racing a few races last year in Formula 4. Despite this I am sure that the team will give me the best possible car and I am confident that I can be competitive,” Kroes said.
Earlier this year, Kroes took part in the TCR Benelux event at Zandvoort where he finished fourth in the Qualifying Race, sharing the Ferry Monster Autosport car with Pepe Oriola, and then was classified sixth and fifth in the first and second sprint races.
Salzburgring results to be declared final
The results of the TCR International Series rounds 9 and 10, that took place at the Salzburgring on 11 June, will be declared final.
The results were provisional, pending the stated intention of Lukoil Craft-Bamboo Racing to appeal against the decision of the Stewards that had declared legal the turbochargers of the Alfa Romeo and Opel cars on the basis of the Technical Delegate’s report.
However, the team did not confirm the appeal to the Swiss Motorsport Authority, the governing body of the TCR International Series.
The results were provisional, pending the stated intention of Lukoil Craft-Bamboo Racing to appeal against the decision of the Stewards that had declared legal the turbochargers of the Alfa Romeo and Opel cars on the basis of the Technical Delegate’s report.
However, the team did not confirm the appeal to the Swiss Motorsport Authority, the governing body of the TCR International Series.
ADAC TCR Germany shares the stage with TCR International
Just as in 2016, the TCR International Series will share the stage with the ADAC TCR Germany.
The series is booming in its only second season with forty or so entries. Oschersleben will host the season’s fifth and sixth rounds, following the opening event at the Motorsport Arena at the end of April and that of 11 May at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.
The 2016 champion Josh Files looks eager to retain the title. The Briton has won three of the four races held so far at the wheel of his Target Competition Honda Civic and leads the standings with a comfortable margin of 55 points ahead of Sheldon van der Linde who drives a Audi RS3 LMS run by Prosport Performance. The 2016 FIA ETCC champion – and Files’ teammate – Kris Richard is lying third, a further 15 points adrift.
The only driver who has been able to beat Files so far is the young Swiss Florian Thoma, who won Oschersleben’s Race 2 in a Junior Team Engstler Volkswagen Golf GTI.
The series is booming in its only second season with forty or so entries. Oschersleben will host the season’s fifth and sixth rounds, following the opening event at the Motorsport Arena at the end of April and that of 11 May at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.
The 2016 champion Josh Files looks eager to retain the title. The Briton has won three of the four races held so far at the wheel of his Target Competition Honda Civic and leads the standings with a comfortable margin of 55 points ahead of Sheldon van der Linde who drives a Audi RS3 LMS run by Prosport Performance. The 2016 FIA ETCC champion – and Files’ teammate – Kris Richard is lying third, a further 15 points adrift.
The only driver who has been able to beat Files so far is the young Swiss Florian Thoma, who won Oschersleben’s Race 2 in a Junior Team Engstler Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Full live coverage from Oschersleben
Fans will be able to follow live on the Internet the whole action of the TCR International and TCR Germany Series at Oschersleben on www.tcr-series.com and www.tcr-series.tvaccording to the following timetable.
Friday, 11:00 – TCR Germany, Free Practice 1, timing
Friday, 14:15 – TCR Germany, Free Practice 2, timing
Saturday, 09:15 – TCR International, Free Practice 1, timing and streaming
Saturday, 10:00 – TCR Germany, Qualifying, timing
Saturday, 12:00 – TCR International, Free Practice 2, timing and streaming
Saturday, 15:00 – TCR International, Qualifying, timing and streaming
Saturday, 16:50 – TCR Germany, Race 1, timing and streaming
Sunday, 10:15 – TCR Germany, Race 2, timing and streaming
Sunday, 12:30 – TCR International, Race 1, timing and streaming
Sunday, 14:30 – TCR International, Race 2, timing and streaming
Friday, 14:15 – TCR Germany, Free Practice 2, timing
Saturday, 09:15 – TCR International, Free Practice 1, timing and streaming
Saturday, 10:00 – TCR Germany, Qualifying, timing
Saturday, 12:00 – TCR International, Free Practice 2, timing and streaming
Saturday, 15:00 – TCR International, Qualifying, timing and streaming
Saturday, 16:50 – TCR Germany, Race 1, timing and streaming
Sunday, 10:15 – TCR Germany, Race 2, timing and streaming
Sunday, 12:30 – TCR International, Race 1, timing and streaming
Sunday, 14:30 – TCR International, Race 2, timing and streaming
(all times local, GMT +2)
2017 TCR International Series – calendar
2 April – Rustavi International Motorpark, Georgia
16 April – Bahrain International Circuit (F1 event)
6 May – Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium (WEC event)
14 May – Autodromo di Monza, Italy (ELMS event)
11 June – Salzburgring, Austria
18 June – Hungaroring, Hungary (DTM Event)
9 July – Motorsport Arena Oschersleben, Germany (with ADAC TCR Germany)
3 September – Chang International Circuit, Buriram (with TCR Thailand)
8 October – Zhejiang International Circuit, China (with TCR Asia & TCR China)
26 November – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi (F1 event)
16 April – Bahrain International Circuit (F1 event)
6 May – Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium (WEC event)
14 May – Autodromo di Monza, Italy (ELMS event)
11 June – Salzburgring, Austria
18 June – Hungaroring, Hungary (DTM Event)
9 July – Motorsport Arena Oschersleben, Germany (with ADAC TCR Germany)
3 September – Chang International Circuit, Buriram (with TCR Thailand)
8 October – Zhejiang International Circuit, China (with TCR Asia & TCR China)
26 November – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi (F1 event)
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