New TCR Europe Cup announced for 2026

The promoter of TCR Europe announced a new initiative for 2026, a two-round TCR Europe Cup, designed for amateur and aspiring professional racing drivers to get a taste of top-level touring car racing while racing with a competitive team and the support and tutelage of an experienced co-driver.

With two events at two of Europe’s famous and historical racetracks, the Circuit Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain, the unique format will allow a car to be shared by two drivers.

With a 60-minute test plus two 40-minute sessions, there’s time for both drivers to get acclimatised before qualifying. There’s then a 20-minute qualifying before a 25-minute plus one lap race for the designated semi-pro/amateur driver on Saturday, before the pro driver takes part in a separate 20-minute qualifying on Sunday and another 25-minute plus one lap race.

The definition of professional TCR driver is any driver who has been within the top 50 of the Kumho TCR World Ranking in 2024-2025 or has finished in the top five of the TCR Europe drivers’ standings, or who has won a TCR national drivers’ title.

The prize for the 2026 TCR Europe Cup champions, both the pro and semi-pro/amateur drivers, is a 50% discount on the entry fee to the 2027 TCR Europe.

“I’m very happy to announce this new Cup for 2026,” said promoter Rubén Fernández.

“We’ve conceived this series based on feedback from our competitors, and those that are looking for something that works as a stepping stone from the national categories to TCR Europe. The Cup gives up-and-coming and skilled drivers the chance to experience racing at some incredible circuits, with the support of an experienced driver to share data and set-ups with, as well as dedicated sessions for each driver and the ability to share the cost of a race weekend.”

2026 TCR Europe Cup calendar

17/19 April – Circuit Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium

18/20 September – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain

Picture: TCR Europe