Last year marked the beginning of a new history for the series, as it was renamed from Pure ETCR to FIA ETCR eTouring Car World Cup. This category was born from its predecessor, obtaining the status of World Cup endorsed by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), placing on the tracks more powerful cars that reached 500 KW of power.

Thus, this chapter of the competition kicked off in Pau Ville for the Infinite Reality Race FR, where all drivers raced with the same Goodyear tires, while the electric power refueling process for all cars was provided by Hyundai Motor Company and its HTWO dual fuel cell hydrogen generators.

Related content:Xavier Gavory on Cupra’s Impact on FIA ETCR: “It All Started with Them”

New Format

Mattias Ekstrom, Jordi Gené, Adrien Tambay and Tom Blomqvist (Cupra EKS), Nicky Catsburg, Kevin Ceccon, Norbert Michelizs, Jean-Karl Vernay (Hyundai Motorsport), Giovanni Venturini, Maxime Martin, Bruno Spengler and Luca Fillipi made up the official grid for the 2022 season.

Two qualifying sessions were held on Saturday, starting at ten-second intervals in a sequence determined by random draw for Q1 and then the order of finish from Q1 to Q2. On the other hand, the drivers were divided into two groups: Pool FAST and Pool FURIOUS with a three-way battle for semifinals and quarterfinals.

The best times earned the right to the starting order on the grid for the quarterfinals, passing through the semifinals before leaving it all to the DHL Super Finals, with six cars on track. There, all drivers advanced to each subsequent Final and raced according to the finishing order of the previous battle.

Finally, the driver who earned the most points in the quarterfinals, semifinals and DHL Super Finals was crowned King of the weekend. For the 2022 season, the overall champion was Adrien Tambay of Cupra EKS.

Written by | Ronald Ortega

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However, in the words of Xavier Gavory, Series Director, racing under the Pure ETCR format was more about a test season. “It was a fitting launch pad towards a bright future. I am particularly proud of the fact that we managed to keep our DNA, to be different and daring,” he assured.

Of course, he highlighted the commitment to sustainability as a core element of the series. “We serve the sport right through a different race format with short and sharp battles, plus a much more sustainable approach,” he emphasized.

Related content:FIA ETCR Seals Multi-Year Contract with Turkey to Race in Istanbul

FIA ETCR 2022

The category is barely two years old counting the previous format. There is still a long way to go, although, it brings with it all the necessary elements to establish itself as one of the most attractive touring divisions in motorsport, with the added advantage of being aligned with electrification going forward.

“FIA ETCR is still young, but it is getting stronger despite the challenges along the way. The most important element is the fact that we are stepping up and building momentum to become an FIA World Cup represents a big step forward,” Gavory noted.

“On the track, the action was phenomenal with so many different scenarios in our race format. We saw photo finishes, teammates crashing into each other, drivers talking directly to their rivals while still on the track to express their opinions, team tactics and dramatic moments off the track,” he finished.

Written by | Ronald Ortega

The post Xavier Gavory Offered Impressions after the First Season of FIA ETCR appeared first on Green Racing News.

In this way, the Italian team scored its first victory in 2022 thanks to the precise driving of Martin, who was impeccable from start to finish and never gave in to the rival pressure generated by Hyundai Motorsport N’s Mikel Azcona of Spain and the Swedish and reigning champion of the category, Mattias Ekström of Cupra EKS.

“It’s the first time for me, but it’s a perfect weekend. My whole family is here, but to have a comeback like this after the problem we had on Friday is unbelievable. We got maximum points, and it was great to do it at my home race. Everyone was cheering, the team, the fans, my family and friends and the stewards as well,” Martin said after the win.

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Maxime’s victory has caused changes in the drivers’ standings, where Adrien Tambay has taken the lead after registering 363 points, displacing Mattias Ekström to second place with 342 units, followed by Maxime Martin with 300 points and possible new threat for the definition of the championship. On the other hand, the teams’ table continues with Cupra EKS in the lead (725), Romeo Ferraris (523) and Hyundai Motorsport N (473).

The next race will be in Vallelunga, Italy, from July 22 to 24, where the Belgian driver assured that it will also be a special competition, since it will be held at Romeo Ferraris’ home, the colors he defends in FIA ETCR. Then, the campaign will close in Istanbul, Turkey, where it will be known if the Swedish Cupra driver will repeat the crown or we will be facing a new monarch.

Written by | Ronald Ortega

The post FIA ETCR: Maxime Martin Crowned King of the Weekend in Belgium appeared first on Green Racing News.

The previous campaign ended with Mattias Ekström as the main protagonist of the series after becoming the first official champion of the 100% electric touring car category, in conjunction with Cupra. Now, in the current campaign, the Spanish team is once again leading the competition, confirming its power and favoritism for the constructors’ championship.

In the drivers’ category, Ekström will have to battle hard against his teammate, Adrien Tambay, and Hyundai Motorsport’s Spaniard N. Mikel Azcona, who appear as the main competitors of the Swede for the rest of the battle, which has four races left to run.

Drivers Standings

Manufacturers Stadings

Related content: Cupra was Strong at Home and Dominated the Jarama Circuit

The remaining competitions of the FIA ETCR calendar will have Belgium as the next venue for the championship, scheduled for July 8-10 at the Zolder Circuit. Then, the Vallelunga Autodrom, Italy, will host the electric cars from July 22 to 24, before moving to Korea from October 7 to 9, closing the curtain of the 2022 season in Istanbul, Turkey, on a date to be announced.

Written by | Ronald Ortega

The post This is the Drivers’ and Teams’ Table for FIA ETCR 2022 appeared first on Green Racing News.

Therefore, it is not surprising that they can take a step forward in the next race, which will be held from July 8 to 10 at the Zolder Circuit in Belgium. During the quarterfinals, Norbert Michelisz managed to be the fastest on track to take the win in that round, anticipating a good rest of the weekend for Hyundai.

On the other hand, Jean-Karl Vernay also fought on the Jarama Circuit to complicate his rivals, Nicky Catsburg reached the semifinals of the competition, while local driver Mikel Azcona started the Super Final from the front row, closing a performance that although it did not end in a podium for any of them, represents a great advance for the next rounds of the championship.

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Probably, the temperatures experienced in Madrid have influenced Hyundai men’s performance and the rest of the grid, as up to almost 40 degrees Celsius were recorded on Saturday’s competition, being quite complicated to perform to the maximum under such heat.

“My weekend was good, the best so far this season, but it wasn’t easy in the heat. We improved the balance of the car in each session, so I’m happy with the progress. My overtaking in the semi-final was one of the highlights for me”, said Norbert Michelisz about his weekend.

On the other hand, the local driver also offered his impressions about the FIA ETCR race on the Jarama Circuit. “It was tough, but we enjoyed some close battles with our rivals. I was hoping for slightly better results at home and, in the end, it was a very similar weekend to my teammates. We made some positive steps with the car, which is very interesting for the next races. We just have to keep working like this and we will finish in a very good position.”

Written by | Ronald Ortega

The post FIA ETCR: Hyundai Solid in Madrid and Could Surprise at Zolder Circuit appeared first on Green Racing News.

Once again, the podium was painted with Cupra’s colors, with the Swede at the top of the podium accompanied by his teammates Adrien Tambay and Jordi Gené, , who contributed important points to the Spanish team’s undisputed lead in the Manufacturers Championship.

“We had a great weekend as a team to finish 1,2,3, with Jordi’s first podium, my second King of the Weekend of the year so I cannot say enough how happy we are, also for the fans, friends and the CUPRA personnel who visited us. IIt’s been very hot, very exciting and very exhausting, but it’s a nice feeling now when you finally add some champagne!”, said Ekström.

Related content | FIA ETCR: CUPRA Racing Expects to Repeat the Title Won in 2021

On the other hand, Romeo Ferraris’ Maxime Martin had an interesting race after being the weekend’s best non-Cupra driver, followed by Hyundai Motorsport N’s Mikel Azcona as fifth in the race standings, while his teammate Norbert Michelisz closed on the sixth place.

In this way, Mattias Ekström, who took the total honors in the previous season when the series was called Pure ETCR, went on to lead the Drivers’ Championship with 280 units, although his teammate Adrien Tambay follows him closely, just at six points (274), while Mikel Azcona closes the top 3 with 203 points.

It should be noted that the ERA Championship was also present at the Jarama Circuit with its fully electric car,preparing the beginning of a category dedicated to young drivers who are starting to build their careers on professional motorsports. On the other hand and back to FIA ETCR, the action will move to the Zolder Circuit, in Belgium, from July 8-10 to dispute the fourth race of the 2022 championship.

Written by | Ronald Ortega

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The Swede is the defending champion of the series, and he also stood out in round 2 at the Hungaroring, Hungary, and is in second place in the overall drivers’ championship with 180 points, only two points behind the leader, Adrien Tambay, who also races under Cupra’s colors.

In Pau, the first meeting of the year, three Cupra drivers took the podium, demonstrating the power of the organization in the championship. In fact, in the general table of teams they are positioned in the first place with 362 points, with a 90-unit advantage over Romeo Ferraris (272).

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Given the great dominance shown in just two races, Cupra has everything in favor to get a good result at the Jarama Circuit, with the additive of competing at home since the team’s structure is located in Spain. “After a great turn in Hungarorging, where I was able to share the podium with Mattias Ekström, I can’t wait to get to Jarama,” said Tambay.

However, for the reigning FIA ETCR champion, things are not as easy as they seem. Ekström assures that they must be 100% focused to not allow mistakes, as their rivals continue to grow race after race, complicating the situation for Cupra on track.

“The pressure is building up as the other teams get better and better each race. We have to keep our focus, it’s home race week and we expect nothing but good results and hopefully some podiums,” Mattias said.

Written by | Ronald Ortega

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In the first race of 2022 at the beginning of May in Pau, the Swedish driver was solid, as he was throughout the previous campaign that led him to proclaim himself as Absolute King of the series. For this reason, Xavi Serra, Head of Technical Development at CUPRA Racing, hopes to compete again at the same level to win the team championship.

There, three CUPRA Racing cars finished in the top four, which gave a sense of confidence for the 2022 season. However, there is still a long way to go, although the sensations extracted from the French circuit place the organization as a favorite for the title.

Related content: FIA ETCR – eTouring Car World Cup 2022 (Pure ETCR) Calendar in Detail

“I must say that it was a result we didn’t expect, because this year the ETCR grid is incredible, with drivers and teams of great level, all of them winners. Despite this we had a lot of confidence in us because our new drivers (Adrien Tambay and Tom Blomqvist) had shown a very good adaptation in testing, which they managed to transfer to the first race.”

Although the season is young, for Xavi Sierra and the rest of CUPRA Racing the vision is quite specific. “We have it very clear: we go out to win again. We are aware of the difficulty of the challenge, which is even greater than last year, but we always go out to win.”

On the other hand, Mattias Ekström was happy to make his debut on the right foot, knowing that the rest of the team also has a strong competitive pace to ensure a good battle in both championships.

“A dream result finishing 1,2,3 in our first weekend with CUPRA. Adrien and Tom also did a perfect job all weekend. There can only be one winner for sure and I’m happy it’s me. But I’m also happy for the others to take maximum points, that would put us in a strong position to start the season like this.”

Written by | Ronald Ortega

The post FIA ETCR: CUPRA Racing Expects to Repeat the Title Won in 2021 appeared first on Green Racing News.

The best drivers of the competition will have a fixed date in Turkey until 2024. In the midst of the electrification boom in motorsports, FIA ETCR is committed to give its best in every place it visits, and Istanbul is undoubtedly one of the favorite venues for this.

On the other hand, Turkey also has big plans at a sustainable level. By 2030, the goal is to manufacture and export more than 1 million electrified vehicles, clearly aiming to reduce carbon emissions and become one of the most important green cities in the world, and there, Pure ETCR will play a key role promoting cars, sport, speed and sustainability.

Related content: FIA ETCR – eTouring Car World Cup 2022 (Pure ETCR) Schedule in Detail

Regarding this season’s competition, FIA ETCR will visit Turkey from May 20-22 to race on the Istanbul Park track, a circuit renowned for hosting the Formula 1 Turkish Grand Prix. However, for 2023 and 2024 the action will move to a new, all-street circuit located in Beyoğlu.

“Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, combining its history as the center of many world cultures with modern dynamism and permanent transformation. As Discovery Sports Events (promoter of FIA ETCR), we are pleased to organize the FIA ETCR eTouring Car World Cup,” said Xavier Gavory, Category Director.

Over the next three years, the goal of the 100% electric touring car division will be to elevate the competition’s status, as well as lend a hand to Istanbul regarding its sustainable plans. “Our intention is to help the city demonstrate the mind-blowing power and spectacle of electric cars,” Gavory finished.

Written by | Ronald Ortega

The post FIA ETCR Seals Multi-Year Contract with Turkey to Run in Istanbul appeared first on Green Racing News.

FIA ETCR – eTouring Car World Cup promise adrenaline, action and speed on breathtaking circuits. A calendar full of surprises will take over the sustainable series this year with an expanded schedule of seven races spread across Europe and Asia.

The green flag will officially be seen from May 6 to 8 in Pau Ville, France. There, the battle to crown a new champion will begin. Let’s remember that during the previous campaign and under the name of Pure ETCR, the winner was the Swedish Mattias Ekström, who raced under the colors of Zengo Motorsport X Cupra.

Related Content: Pure ETCR Reaches World Championship Level and Will Become FIA ETCR-eTouring Car World Cup

After getting off to a flying start on French soil, the adrenaline for speed will move to Istanbul, Turkey, from May 20-22. The third round of the championship will take place at the Hungaroring (June 10-12), a well-known and popular circuit in the world for hosting the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix.

Quickly and just one week later, the category’s touring cars will compete at the Circuito del Jarama, Spain, from June 17 to 19. With the title at stake and entering decisive phases, the 2022 FIA ETCR – eTouring Car World Cup will move on to the next target: Circuit Zolder, Belgium, from July 8 to 10.

The second-to-last race of the championship will be in Vallelunga, Italy, from June 22 to 24, to close the sporting action at Inje Speedium, South Korea. This entire seven-race schedule and under FIA world championship status will be a platform for the world’s car manufacturers to showcase their latest technology-laden creations there.

“This is a big step forward to electric touring car racing. We knew when we launched PURE ETCR that now was the great opportunity to not only give automakers a global showcase for their electrified vehicles, but also to present all the positive aspects of electric mobility; incredible power, efficiency and sustainability in the homes of a global audience,” said Rançois Ribeiro, Director of Discovery Sports Events, promoter of the FIA ETCR – eTouring Car World Cup.

Written by | Ronald Ortega

The post FIA ETCR: 2022 eTouring Car World Cup (Pure ETCR) Calendar in detail appeared first on Green Racing News.