Lynk & Co has ceased its activities in the WTCR with immediate effect due to safety problems in Goodyear tires. The Asian firm and the Cyan Racing team, the structure that supports the manufacturer’s official project in the WTCR, understand that the current Goodyear tires do not meet the needs of the Lynk & Co 03 TCR as this vehicle is the heaviest by construction once the maximum weight of the compensation ballast system is added. Lynk & Co and Cyan Racing are out.
Following the announcement of Lynk & Co, Marcello Lotti as head of WSC Group, the TCR concept management company, has assured: «WSC always respects the decisions of all competitors, but in this case I do not find any justification. WSC has drawn up, together with the FIA, the series promoter and the tire supplier, a series of measures that would provide a solution to all the problems, among which there was a reduction of 20 kilos in the race weight of all the cars and an increase in the number of new covers that can be used during a weekend.
In this line, Lotti has added: «It is worth noting that the weight reduction that I mention would make Lynk & Co cars 30 kilograms lighter than at the end of the 2021 campaign. Also, on this weekend’s WTCR test schedule Two test sessions have been included for competitors to analyze the efficiency of these measures in relation to the characteristics of the track. WSC is present this weekend at Anneau du Rhin to show its full support for the FIA, the promoter, the competitors and all stakeholders.”
Discovery Sports Events has also issued a statement showing their total surprise for the departure of Lynk & Co: «We are surprised by the decision of Cyan Racing and Geely Group Motorsport to suspend their participation in the WTCR 2022, since it was not a decision that could be expected in light of the extensive dialogue between the FIA, Cyan Racing, Geely Motorsport Group, Goodyear and WSC Group. Reducing the compensation weights of all WTCR cars by 20 kilos and an additional test at Anneau du Rhin to test the tires was proposed.
“Goodyear also offered to replace the remaining tires from the previous event. This announcement, particularly so close to the home race of Yann Ehrlacher and Yvan Muller, two of WTCR’s strongest drivers, is not only surprising but also very unfortunate.. We share the collective feeling of frustration of the promoter of the event in Anneau du Rhin and all the fans. Fortunately, the WTCR can count on the presence of other top drivers and teams, so the Anneau du Rhin event will take place as planned» concludes the statement.
Photos: FIA WTCR