Yokohama anticipates most open FIA WTCC season in years ahead of Morocco opener

The 2017 season of the FIA World Touring Car Championship begins one of its most open and exciting seasons in years according to Yokohama, the exclusive tyre supplier. Returning to classic circuits like Monza and Macao, the 2017 series follows the departure of the dominant Jose Maria Lopez and the retirement as a driver of four-times world champion Yvan Muller. The “veterans”, Huff, Monteiro, Michelisz, Coronel and Chilton will compete with young blood to establish dominance in a new era.

Thousands of fervent fans supporting home favourite Mehdi Bennani will gather at the street circuit in the heart of Marrakech, now a semi-permanent race track, for the opening meeting. The compact 2.9km Circuit Moulay El Hassan will offer thrilling racing, together with impressive views of the Atlas Mountains and the historical Marrakech city wall.

Yokohama’s drivers to watch out for

• Rob Huff
• Thiago Monteiro
• Norbert Michelisz
• Tom Chilton
• Mehdi Bennani
• Thed Björk
• Nicky Catsburg
• Nestor Girolami

Commenting on the new season a spokesman for Yokohama Europe expressed excitement at the new championship and returns to Monza and Macau, wishing all drivers and teams luck. “We are ready, our motorsport support team is ready, and Yokohama as a global premium tyre manufacturer is looking forward to an intense World Championship.”

FIA WTCC Race Calendar 2017

• Morocco / Marrakech: 9 April
• Italy / Monza: 30 April
• Hungary / Budapest: 14 May
• Germany / Nürburgring: 27 May
• Portugal / Vila Real: 25 June
• Argentina / Termas: 16 July
• China / Ningbo: 15 October
• Japan / Motegi: 29 October
• Macao / Macao: 19 November
• Qatar / Losail: 1 December