WTCR prepares to race in Jeddah for first time after Mikel Azcona extends championship lead in Bahrain
 

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (November 14th) Mikel Azcona has extended his FIA World Touring Car Cup championship lead to 60 points following a fantastic weekend at the Race of Bahrain. The BRC Hyundai N Squadra Corse driver won Race 1 from pole position on Friday and continued his points-scoring streak on Saturday finishing fourth in Race 2 after starting the session in tenth. 

The Spaniard now only needs 6 points during the Qualifying session at the season finale in Jeddah to win the FIA World Touring Car Cup for the very first time. However, the title dream is still alive for Argentinian contender Néstor Girolami who, despite having a tough weekend, could still technically take the crown later this month for ALL-INKL.COM Münnich Motorsport. 

The title is still undecided and anything can happen. But one thing is for sure: the series finale in Saudi Arabia will be unmissable!  

Everything is now set for the series’ first visit to the Kingdom and its stunning Red Sea coast on the 26th-27th November. Over the past few months, Jeddah Corniche Circuit, where the WTCR season finale will be taking place, has undergone significant development to add more variety to the events the circuit can offer. In fact, the WTCR will be the first series to put wheels on a brand-new shortened FIA Grade 3 homologated track that sits within the full-sized circuit that has been the home to Formula 1 since its debut in 2021. 

The latest changes include connecting Turn 4 and Turn 20 to create a new 12-turn circuit that still offers as much fast and exhilarating racing as the longer track. Furthermore, extra safety measures have also been incorporated including changes to the fence positioning on (the new) Turns 8 and 10 and changes to kerbing to make the transitions level with the surface rather than taking a slight drop.

Supporting the high-action racing across the weekend will be the Saudi Supercar Club Powered by Petromin, one of the most exclusive car clubs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. From Formula 1 to WTCR, the Saudi Supercar Club Powered by Petromin is an integral part of the support race programme for all motorsport activity held at its home: the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. In addition, SPORTSCCA members will also be given exclusive access to test out how their cars fare on a world-class race track.  Members of both clubs can share their passion for motorsport and enjoy once in a lifetime driving experiences on track in some of the world’s most incredible cars. 

Martin Whitaker, Chief Executive of the Saudi Motorsport Company expressed his excitement for the series’ visit to Jeddah: “I am extremely excited to welcome drivers, teams and everyone involved with the FIA World Touring Car Cup later this month as the series visits Saudi Arabia for the first time! It also offers an exciting opportunity to see our new shortened, state-of-the-art FIA Grade 3 homologated track at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit make its debut for what is bound to be an exhilarating season finale. I look forward to seeing how the season wraps up and comes to an end. Get your tickets now for a weekend not to be missed!”

Jean-Baptiste Ley, WTCR Director, Discovery Sports Events, suggested the visit to Jeddah and a Saudi Arabian debut is very exciting for the series: “The opportunity to bring the WTCR to a fantastic, state-of-the-art venue and to a country with huge enthusiasm for motorsport is very exciting for the series. Our drivers and teams would like to thank the Saudi Arabian Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and Saudi Motorsport Company for their strong support and warm welcome. The work to homologate an alternative 3.450-kilometre track, which is tailor-made for FIA World Touring Car racing, was no small undertaking and we are convinced this layout will only enhance the spectacle on offer. Racing between the walls and under floodlights at night is something new for the WTCR and something we can’t wait to experience. With the title chase still wide open, we have no doubt that WTCR Race of Saudi Arabia will be remembered for years to come.”

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at  https://tickets.saudimotorsport.com/en.

Ticket prices are 50 SAR for the full weekend. Entry for children 10 years and under is free.