WTCR has decided to drop its Asian leg in 2020 however WTCR plans to return to Asia in 2021.

“To commit to races outside Europe required certainties that were very uncertain to obtain,”

“Of course, we would like nothing more than for life to return to normal, but we have to be sensible.

“The events in Asia made up 40% of the original calendar.

“For the Asia leg to go ahead, the freight must be shipped from Europe at the end of July.

“Right now, it is simply not possible to predict what restrictions will still be in place by then.

“If we further delay the decision to cancel the Asia leg into June, I can guarantee there will not be any spare slots at European tracks later in the year due to the huge amount of rescheduling that’s required, not just by WTCR but the many other events, series and championships.”

“We must be realistic and accept the economic impact that will be felt by society and the automotive and motorsport industries, in particular, for years not months,” Ribeiro said.

“We therefore must deliver a calendar that’s sustainable, not just in 2020 but in 2021 as well and that means fewer events than the traditional 10 per year this year and next year also.

“We reasonably think 16 races over eight events in two continents would be a good balance for next year.”

Francois Ribeiro, Head of WTCR Eurosport Events.

2020 WTCR calendar

• 12-13 September Salzburgring, 2 races
• 24-26 September Nurburgring Nordschleife, 2 races
• 10-11 October Slovakia Ring, 3 races
• 17-18 October Hungaroring, 3 races
• 31 October-1 November Aragon, 3 races
• 14-15 November Adria, 3 races