What Is 2017 World Touring Car Championship

Overview

The 2017 World Touring Car Championship marked the 14th and final season of the FIA World Touring Car Championship, which had been a premier touring car series since its revival in 2005. This year was historic as it concluded with Volvo securing its first Manufacturers’ title in nearly two decades, and Thed Björk claiming the Drivers’ Championship.

After 2017, the WTCC merged with the TCR International Series to form the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup, signaling the end of an era. The season featured high-profile circuits across three continents, including the Race of Japan, Macau Grand Prix, and the season-ending Qatar round in November.

• 10 rounds were held across the 2017 season, starting in Marrakech, Morocco, on April 2 and ending in Doha, Qatar, on November 25.
• Thed Björk clinched the Drivers’ title with 246 points, narrowly defeating Norbert Michelisz and Tiago Monteiro in a tight battle.
• Volvo Polestar Cyan Racing won the Manufacturers’ title with 539 points, ending a 19-year drought for the Swedish brand.
• The championship used TC1 technical regulations, allowing 1.6L turbocharged engines and aerodynamic body kits for enhanced performance.
• Each race weekend included three races: two on Sunday and a reversed-grid Race 3, increasing unpredictability and excitement.

How It Works

The 2017 WTCC followed a structured race format designed to balance competition and entertainment, with technical regulations ensuring parity among manufacturers. Each event followed a weekend format with practice, qualifying, and multiple races.

• TC1 Regulations: Cars were based on production models with 1.6L turbo engines producing ~380 hp and advanced aerodynamics. These rules applied to all entries.
• Qualifying Format: A knockout session determined the grid for Race 1, with the top 10 reversed for Race 2 to promote overtaking and unpredictability.
• Race Structure: Each weekend featured two main races on Sunday, with a third reversed-grid race added mid-season to boost fan engagement and strategy.
• Points System: Drivers earned points in all three races, with 25 for a win, and additional points for pole position and fastest lap to incentivize performance.
• Manufacturer Involvement: Brands like Volvo, Honda, and Citroën fielded factory-backed teams, with technical support and driver development programs enhancing competitiveness.
• Global Calendar: The series visited 10 countries, including debut events in Qatar and a return to the legendary Macau street circuit, boosting international appeal.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the top teams and drivers compared in the 2017 WTCC season:

The standings highlight how closely contested the championship was, with just eight points separating first and third place. Volvo’s consistency with Björk and teammate Fredrik Ekblom was key, while Honda and BRC Racing pushed hard until the final round. The tight margins underscored the competitiveness of the TC1 regulations and the skill level across the grid.

Why It Matters

The 2017 WTCC season was a pivotal moment in motorsport history, marking the transition from manufacturer-dominated touring car racing to a customer-focused TCR model. Its legacy lives on in the current WTCR series, which adopted many of its formats and global outreach strategies.

• End of an era: The 2017 season was the last under the WTCC banner before merging into the TCR-based WTCR format in 2018.
• Volvo’s resurgence: Winning both titles marked a major comeback for Volvo, reinforcing its commitment to motorsport after a long absence.
• Driver development: The series served as a platform for emerging talent, with drivers like Esteban Guerrieri gaining international exposure.
• Global reach: Events in Japan, Argentina, and Qatar expanded the sport’s footprint in Asia and South America.
• Technical innovation: The TC1 cars represented the peak of touring car engineering, influencing future TCR designs with their balance of power and handling.
• Fan engagement: Reversed grids and multiple races per weekend kept audiences engaged, setting a template for future touring car series.

The 2017 WTCC not only delivered thrilling racing but also laid the groundwork for the modern era of touring car competition, blending tradition with innovation.