Motorsports | TCR Asia relocates China’s Zhejiang round to Malaysia

The Zhejiang Circuit is far from completed

The TCR Asia Series has cancelled its fourth and penultimate event of the season, which was planned to take place at the circuit of Zhejiang, China from October 21 to 23, TCR Asia Series informed in a statement.
According to the statement, rounds seven and eight of the 2016 season will be held at the Malaysian circuit of Sepang, during the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix weekend of October 1 and 2, instead.
TCR Asia explained that the change in venue is due to the delay in completion of the brand-new Zhejiang Circuit, which is currently being built in the city of Shaoxing. It was initially planned that the TCR Asia Series event would mark the debut of the new circuit.
“Unfortunately, the Zhejiang Circuit, despite all assurances throughout the year, has suffered a setback with their completion date and will not be ready for action until later in the season,” said TCR Asia’s CEO David Sonenscher. He added that “the perfect venue for the series to find a replacement date was Sepang, as it gave us an opportunity to combine both the Asian and International Series once more,” he said, remarking that Sepang is an important circuit and a landmark for TCR since it works as basecamp for many of the teams racing in this championship and was also the host of the first ever event for TCR Asia last year.
As mentioned by the Series’ CEO, the change will allow the Asia Series to race once more together with the International Series – resembling last year’s events in Thailand and Macau.
Taking a closer look at this year’s Series, currently Hong Kong’s Andy Yan is leading with a very comfortable advantage over the competition. Macau’s Kevin Tse and Henry Ho occupy the second and third place positions, respectively.
The championship will come to a close with rounds nine and 10 to be held during the 63rd Macau Grand Prix in November.
The Zhejiang Circuit, which is expected to feature a 3.2-kilometer FIA-certified Grade 2 circuit accompanied by a luxury hotel and leisure, entertainment and commercial facilities, has been in development for the past four years and seems to be far from its completion date.