The TCR Japan Series is set for launch in 2019 following a six-year agreement between WSC Ltd and Japan TCR Management, Inc. until the end of 2024.

“We are extremely delighted to become part of the TCR family, which is one of the fastest growing sprint race series in the world,” said Akira Kurashita, president of Japan TCR Management, Inc.

The series will run together with the Japanese single seater series Super Formula, formerly known as Formula Nippon.

“The TCR Japan Series will be held in conjunction with Super Formula, Japan’s top category of open-wheel racing. Fans will be able to watch both the high-level of touring car racing, as well as top-class formula race action on the same day. I certainly hope that motor sports enthusiasts will come out to the track to watch our races,” said Kurashita.

There has been a TCR class in the endurance series Super Taikyu over the past two years, providing an existing base of TCR cars available in Japan.

“We are very proud to see the TCR concept successfully taking root in Japan,” said WSC president Marcello Lotti.

“Over the last two years a TCR class has been run within the frame of the popular Super Taikyu endurance series, showing how competitive and entertaining TCR races are. We are confident that the upcoming TCR Japan Series, with its sprint races, will be an instant success with Japan’s competent motorsport fans and will attract other Japanese car manufacturers.”

The TCR Japan Series will run a race weekend format of one practice session, two 20-minute qualifying sessions and one race on Saturday followed by a final race on Sunday, both races of 23 minutes plus one lap.