TCR China Series

TCR China Series

Definition and History
The TCR China Series, commonly known as TCR China, is an officially sanctioned national touring car championship in China authorised by the TCR International Series, inaugurated in 2017. Promoted and operated exclusively by Lisheng Sports, the series works in close partnership with the CTCC (China Touring Car Championship) to establish the "Golden League" ecosystem. In 2023, Lisheng Sports renewed its agreement with WSC Group, the global rights holder of TCR, securing exclusive promotional rights for both TCR China and TCR Asia through 2028.

Technical Specifications and Sporting Regulations
TCR China adopts the technical regulations of the TCR International Series, featuring TCR-spec touring cars built from production passenger cars and powered by production-derived 2.0-litre turbocharged engines producing around 350 hp, paired with a 6-speed sequential gearbox in a front-wheel-drive layout. Each race weekend typically comprises qualifying sessions and two sprint races, with each race running for a minimum distance of 55 km. The series is structured into two main tiers: the "TCR China Championship" and the "TCR China Challenge", with a formal driver classification system introduced from the 2025 season to categorise competitors into "Pro Class" and "Challenge Class".

2026 Season Regulatory Updates
For the 2026 season, TCR China introduced several key adjustments to its sporting framework. The championship points system has been revamped: regular rounds now adopt the TCR 600 points format, awarding 600 points to the race winner alongside points for all classified finishers; the Shanghai season opener, which doubles as the inaugural round of the TCR Asia Champions League, has been upgraded to a TCR 1000 Grand Prix, offering up to 1,000 points to the race winner. On the safety front, Full Course Yellow (FCY) procedures have been officially implemented, aligning with top-tier FIA safety standards. In addition, the series has introduced a dedicated "Rookie Cup" for newcomer drivers in the Challenge Class to foster young racing talent.

2026 Season Calendar and Grid Line-up
The 2026 TCR China calendar comprises six rounds, kicking off at the Shanghai International Circuit from 24 to 26 April, followed by stops at Ningbo International Circuit, Ordos International Circuit, Shanghai International Circuit, and Zhejiang International Circuit, before concluding at Zhuzhou International Circuit from 23 to 25 October. The season will close with a non-championship overseas round at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, marking the first time a CTCC event is staged outside mainland China.

The Shanghai season opener drew a 28-car grid across five marques: Lynk & Co, Honda, Hyundai, Cupra, and Audi. Lynk & Co fielded the largest contingent, with Lynk & Co Teamwork Motorsport running four all-new Lynk & Co 03+ TCR race cars driven by defending champion Zhu Daiwei, Zhang Zhiqiang, Wang Risheng, and Han Dongjun. Teamwork Motorsport also campaigned four Lynk & Co 03+ TCR cars, piloted by Li Guanghua, Pan Dejun, Fu Guxiang, and a prominent driver yet to be announced. Hyundai N is represented by Mulberry Racing operating four Elantra N TCR race cars, while the Honda stable features five outfits, including MacPro Racing, Norris Racing, and Spark Racing, competing with the Civic Type R FL5 TCR.

Series Positioning and Characteristics
Unlike the CTCC's factory-dominated competition structure, TCR China centres around privateer teams, with manufacturers providing support primarily through sponsorships to keep operating costs relatively contained. Because TCR machinery remains closely aligned with production car specifications, the series serves as a vital bridge connecting professional motorsport with grassroots car culture, while offering Chinese domestic teams and drivers a proven platform to compete under international regulations.