ETCR 2023

[Evantra]

https://bit.ly/42Ek67o

Looks like the series’ future is in doubt. Had honestly not even noticed there were no calendar or driver announcements yet

[pimmy]

Discovery/Eurosport were a terrible promoter anyway, so any series would be better off without them.

[Adamcas87]

You would have to say that’s probably it for this series

Difficult to watch not a fan of the noise of the cars sounds like a load of screaming banshees but they did look pretty good

Also the format to the weekend was boring and often a struggle to keep up

[redshoes]

“Over recent months, there have been extensive discussions around the next phase of the series, including its sporting and regulatory format as a priority. In particular, recognising the importance of further integrating the traditional Touring Car DNA within the series to create the best stage for electric car racing. One with a packed grid that maximizes the appeal to fans, manufacturers, and drivers.

Despite the efforts made by all parties to finalise the new sporting and regulatory framework that meets the needs of the manufacturers, the necessary conditions could not be implemented in a satisfactory manner ahead of launching a full season.”

My bold, but I think that sums up the problem. I tried to watch in the first year (2021) but the format of time trials and 'races' with 2 or 3 cars just didn't do it for me. I've no idea if it got any better last year as I'd lost interest by then.

[Evantra]

Originally Posted by redshoes

My bold, but I think that sums up the problem. I tried to watch in the first year (2021) but the format of time trials and 'races' with 2 or 3 cars just didn't do it for me. I've no idea if it got any better last year as I'd lost interest by then.

Yep same, in all came across as too gimmicky. Shame, as the driver quality was very good and the three ‘manufacturers’ / entrants looked great too.

Wonder how the STCC will fare - if ETCR goes it’ll be leading the way for electric touring car racing now.

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by redshoes

My bold, but I think that sums up the problem. I tried to watch in the first year (2021) but the format of time trials and 'races' with 2 or 3 cars just didn't do it for me. I've no idea if it got any better last year as I'd lost interest by then.

Format was okay to get the series of the ground but in the second season they should have moved to a regular racing format with at least 12 cars. And instead of a standalone event stould have made it a support series of WTCR.

The cars on track didn't look bad. I prefer them over Formula E.

Will be interesting to see how STCC evolves. On paper it looks more interesting than ETCR.

[Matt K]

Originally Posted by FIRE

The cars on track didn't look bad. I prefer them over Formula E.

That's the thing, the cars were actually quite enjoyable to watch (not hear, sadly), if there were more of them and a 'normal' racing format then it could be quite an interesting championship. Otherwise too gimmicky and I had little to none interest in that.

[Alessio]

I see 2 logical directions. The manufacturers involved could go ahead and organise the series themselves (wasn't that how British F3 once worked in the 00s?), or they could sit down with STCC and form a universal eTouring car rulebook with a proper "international" touring car series. All the equipment is there, the underlying premise is interesting and its an important development for the future. Be a shame to waste it all and it would really suck for an independent group like Romeo Ferraris that put a hell of a lot work into competing with works VAG and Hyundai entries.

[Andrew Abbott]

Originally Posted by Alessio

I see 2 logical directions. The manufacturers involved could go ahead and organise the series themselves (wasn't that how British F3 once worked in the 00s?), or they could sit down with STCC and form a universal eTouring car rulebook with a proper "international" touring car series. All the equipment is there, the underlying premise is interesting and its an important development for the future. Be a shame to waste it all and it would really suck for an independent group like Romeo Ferraris that put a hell of a lot work into competing with works VAG and Hyundai entries.

Don't forget about the rights holder WSC Group.

[Cinghio44]

It's a shame it hasn't worked

I saw the last season and I thought the series has some potential but the format was too gimmick and not so original... basically a rallycross format on track. Nah...

To be a real touring car series they should have adopted a less "twitchy" format.

The problem however was the poor manufacturers involving: only Cupra and Hyunda. Romeo Ferraris was and interesting but indipendent entry.

It seemed more of a experiment of all sort rather than a real proposal of electric touring car racing.

And I fear it will end in nothing...

Now let's wait and see for the new DTM Electric

[Matt K]

DTM Electric is still far away - if happens at all. As long as DTM was under ITR's (and Berger's) control, there was a big push towards DTM Electric. Now, with ADAC taking over nothing is too certain. They're open to that but money is king.

[Rubio]

Originally Posted by redshoes

My bold, but I think that sums up the problem. I tried to watch in the first year (2021) but the format of time trials and 'races' with 2 or 3 cars just didn't do it for me. I've no idea if it got any better last year as I'd lost interest by then.

Agree. Sound like Discovery wanted a full-fledged touring car format with a big number of cars but there was no sufficient manufacturer interest.

Lotti (or Ribeiro, do not remember to be honest) once said that ETCR cars cost like highly expensive TC1 cars. Guess the TV ratings were poor (just like social media streams) and contributed to negative ROI.

Wonder what happens next with ETCR, will WSC going to try and restore the championship or focus on hybrids from 2024 and then gradually evolve into electric racing from petrol TCR.