What Is 2018 World Touring Car Cup

Overview

The 2018 World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) marked the first season of a new global touring car series organized by the FIA and promoted by Eurosport Events. It replaced the former World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), which ended after the 2017 season due to declining manufacturer involvement and rising costs.

Designed to promote privateer teams and cost-effective competition, the WTCR adopted the TCR technical regulations, which standardized car specifications and allowed manufacturers to field competitive entries without excessive development. The season featured 10 rounds across four continents, showcasing close racing and international appeal.

• March 2018: The season began at Marrakech Street Circuit in Morocco, the first time a WTCR event was held in Africa, drawing over 30,000 spectators.
• 10 race weekends: Each round included three races, resulting in a total of 30 races across the season, with events in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
• TCR regulations: All cars complied with TCR rules, limiting engine output to 350 horsepower and requiring front-wheel-drive layouts for cost control and parity.
• Driver champion:Jean-Karl Vernay won the title by just 3 points over Thed Björk after a dramatic finale at the Qatar round in November.
• Teams' title: The BRC Racing Team secured the Teams' Championship with consistent performances from drivers Norbert Michelisz and Augusto Farfus.

How It Works

The WTCR format emphasized competitive balance and entertainment through a structured race weekend and technical regulations. Each event followed a standardized schedule to ensure fairness and maximize broadcast appeal.

• Qualifying:Two qualifying sessions determined the grid for Race 1 and Race 2, with the top 10 reversed for Race 2 to promote overtaking.
• Race format: Each weekend included three races: Race 1 based on Q1 results, Race 2 with a reversed top 10, and Race 3 using Race 2 finishing order.
• Ballast system:Weight penalties up to 20 kg were assigned to top finishers to equalize competition and prevent dominance by a single team.
• TCR homologation: Manufacturers had to submit production-based cars with minimum 5,000 units built to qualify for competition.
• Driver eligibility: Only FIA-licensed drivers with International Grade A or B status could compete, ensuring professional standards.
• Points system: The top 10 finishers earned points, with 25 for a win and 1 for 10th, plus 1 bonus point for pole position.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison between the 2018 WTCR and its predecessor, the WTCC, highlighting key structural and technical changes.

The shift to TCR regulations allowed smaller teams to compete on equal footing, reducing costs and increasing manufacturer participation. Unlike the WTCC, which relied on factory-backed entries, the WTCR emphasized privateers and global touring car appeal, helping stabilize the series for future growth.

Why It Matters

The 2018 WTCR represented a pivotal shift in international touring car racing, revitalizing interest through accessible regulations and dramatic racing. Its success laid the foundation for future seasons and influenced other series to adopt TCR standards.

• Cost reduction: TCR regulations lowered entry costs by up to 40% compared to WTCC-era machinery, attracting more independent teams.
• Global reach: The calendar included seven countries across three continents, expanding the sport’s international footprint.
• Manufacturer involvement: Brands like Honda, Hyundai, and Audi entered cars, signaling renewed industry confidence.
• Media exposure: Eurosport broadcast the series in over 150 countries, increasing visibility for sponsors and teams.
• Racing quality: Close finishes and frequent lead changes led to 9 different race winners across 30 races.
• Influence: The WTCR model inspired regional TCR series in Europe, Asia, and South America, boosting grassroots motorsport.

By balancing competition, cost, and entertainment, the 2018 WTCR successfully redefined touring car racing for a new era, setting a benchmark for future championships worldwide.