Francois Ribeiro says WTCC is still "pinnacle" of touring car racing

World Touring Car Championship head Francois Ribeiro believes that the series still remains the pinnacle of touring car racing.

Plans to introduce a secondary class underneath the current TC1 field were verified in November, which will allow TCN2 cars to compete in the WTCC for a separate title.

The decision came after Lada exited the sport after the 2016 season, meaning there would possibly be only fifteen cars on the 2017 grid - a number below the minimum criteria.

"We recognise the challenges being faced by drivers and teams to secure the finances required to race a TC1 World Touring Car," he said.

"While the WTCC will clearly remain the pinnacle of touring car racing, WTCC-2 will provide a good platform for aspiring World Touring Car champions of the future to showcase their talents on a global stage, compete for an FIA title, but at a reduced cost by limiting WTCC-2 to TCN2 specification cars, which are more affordable to prepare and maintain.

"WTCC-2 competitors will benefit from the high event organisation standards, global media exposure and promotional activities in common with the WTCC."

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