March 18, 2016

2016 FIA ETRC season launched in Paris

The 2016 FIA European Truck Racing Championship was officially launched yesterday in Paris.

Key figures from the world of truck racing witnessed several presentations and announcements for a year which is set to be momentous, not least because of the appointment of a series promoter by the FIA World Motorsport Council for the next five years.

The official launch at the historic Automobile Club de France library in Paris yesterday was attended by the President of the Fédération Internationale I’ Automobile, Mr Jean Todt, and outlined the plans of new promoters ETRA Promotion GmbH.

ETRA, managed by Georg Fuchs and well-known truck racing aficionado, Rolf Werner told the audience they are determined to build on the foundations of the current set up, which boasts race attendance second only to Formula One on the circuits of Europe.

Working towards stability for the championship, the new-look FIA European Truck Racing Championship (FIA ETRC) ETRA are implementing a solid strategy and investment plan in order to increase media exposure and wider public awareness of this spectacular branch of the sport.

ETRA has recruited experts from various areas of motorsport and truck racing to develop the championship brand, attract new series partners, gain more media coverage in motorsport and lifestyle media, as well as the truck specialist press and work on increasing the television distribution of the FIA ETRC for the benefit of all stakeholders; Event Organisers, Teams and Partners.

The FIA ETRC is also to count Goodyear as its official technical partner. The company has an unrivalled history in the sport, and the engineering excellence it possesses will mirror the competitors drive for perfection. Goodyear's Davide Califano, the Director Marketing Activation Commercial Tires addressed the crowd.

Also in attendance at the launch and validating the plans for the future of the FIA ETRC was Dr Manns from ADAC Mittelrhine e.V and President of the Truck Commission Mr Manuel Vidal.

One of the key announcements made today at the launch was the unveiling of Meritor as a partner of the ETRC. Meritor is a well-known axle and brake manufacturer in the truck industry world offering durability, quality and reliability in extreme racing conditions, delivering podium finishes safely and successfuly.                                                                                          

The first race in the new era of the FIA ETRC will take place at the Red Bull Ring circuit, Spielberg over the weekend of 30th April and 1st May.

Quotes

Jean Todt, FIA President

“Today is a very important moment in the history of the FIA ETRC and I am very optimistic that that all the new partners will create a successful story and they can count on my support for the future together.”

Georg Fuchs, Managing Director of ETRA - Operations, Marketing and Commercial

“Today’s event in Paris endorsed the ETRA’s plans to create trust, stability and a positive perception for the FIA European Truck Racing Championship. We all have to bring together the existing strengths and combine them under the stable platforms.

“We now have to communicate what a great championship this is from the point of view of the events, the fan entertainment and the synergy’s that also combine racing and industry. We will do this as a team across all medias and ensure that the teams, drivers, partners and fans enjoy a strengthened and prosperous future together.”

Malte Raddatz, Meritor

"After the tires, which are the connection to the street, our parts are the second important on a commercial vehicle. Our axles are the backbone of the truck and the brakes the 'saftey stoppers'.

"For Meritor it is a good platform to address our products and their quality to the truck spare parts market. On the track we prove the quality of our products, which are 100% serial parts."

About the FIA ETRC

The FIA ETRC is the premier truck racing series in the world with the best trucks and drivers competing over nine rounds for the title.

Racing on some of Europe’s most famous circuits, teams from France, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain, Portugal and many other nations compete for the truck racing’s most prestigious crown.

For 2016 the FIA ETRC sees the beginning of a new dawn as a fresh promoter, ETRA Promotion GmbH, takes over the running of the championship in an effort to enhance the sporting and marketability of the series over the next five seasons.

Goodyear is the major technical partner of the FIA ETRC and has committed to the championship for the next three seasons

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