The World Touring Car Championship and China Touring Car Championship joint event – that takes place at Shanghai International Circuit this weekend – was launched today during a press conference at Shanghai’s Banyan Tree Hotel.

In front of a large representative of local media, Chen Yi Ping, General Director of the Shanghai Sports Bureau said that: “Shanghai has a great racetrack that hosts F1 since ten years. But now the joint event of WTCC and CTCC is becoming more and more popular with the local fans. This is also an excellent platform to show our city before a worldwide audience. I wish the best to all WTCC and CTCC drivers for Sunday’s races.”

Wan He Ping, deputy president of FASC, China’s National Sporting Authority pointed out that:

“FASC is proud to welcome WTCC for the third time. This joint WTCC-CTCC event has become one of the most popular motorsport race meetings in China over the past two years. And the cooperation between these two professional championships is acting as a driving force to attract car makers and sponsors to join touring car racing.”

WTCC promoter Marcello Lotti concluded: “The Chinese event is one of the most important in the WTCC season, because it opens a window on one of the fastest growing economies in the world for our manufacturers and partners. Having a joint event with CTCC is the best way to promote both championships with the motorsport community.”

A number of WTCC and CTCC drivers attended the press conference and were available for interviews.

The WTCC will use a shorter layout compared to Formula One. This 4.6km circuit features a shortcut that links Turn 4 to the exit of Turn 8, cutting out 850 metres of the Grand Prix track. The two WTCC races will be held on the distance of 13 laps.

Track activity for WTCC will start on Friday at 12.25 with a thirty-minute test session.