The 2017 TCR European Trophy race format has been unveiled ahead of its inaugural one-off showcase this coming Autumn, which takes place at Adria International Raceway on October 29th.
The TCR European Trophy, which originally took place as a series of race events allowing drivers to score points towards top honours last year, will have a highly-condensed format.
All drivers that are able to qualify for the event does not include the top ten drivers in the current TCR International Series points standings, as of the end of September this year, but wild card entries will be at the discretion of the promoters.
Drivers that are eligible to compete in the event itself will consist of those that have taken part in regional/national Series or Championships, along with those that raced in the European rounds of the International Series.
Each driver will receive one pre-qualifying point for each event that they have raced in this year, with a maximum allowance of five points scored.
If the total entries submitted for the event does not exceed 32 cars, a similar format to the International Series will be employed, using a Q1 & Q2 system, where the top 12 drivers go for pole position.
The top five drivers will be able to score, with pole position awarding five points, with both races lasting 25 minutes plus one lap.
However, if the grid is higher than 32, the total amount of entrants will be separated into two groups, with a 20-minute qualifying session per group.
The alternative race format will see two Qualifying races, lasting 20 minutes plus 1 lap per group, with all initial non-qualifiers taking part in the Repecharge race.
The Repecharge race will see the top six drivers advance to the Final Race, which will see a potential of a 26-strong grid out on track for 35 minutes plus 1 lap.
The driver who wins this year’s TCR European Trophy will also be awarded a TCR road car, with further details being unveiled by the promoter in due course.