#France #Le Castellet #Geely Preface #TCR Racing #Geely Cyan Racing

Geely Preface TCR Achieves Significant Victory in France

In a thrilling display of speed and efficiency, Geely Group Motorsport and its subsidiary, Geely Cyan Racing, shone brightly at the 2026 Kumho FIA TCR World Tour, held at the renowned Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, France. The event marked the highly competitive third round of the series, during which the Geely Preface TCR made an impressive showing, securing multiple podium finishes amidst challenging summer conditions.

Race Highlights

The weekend unfolded under the blazing sun, yet that did not deter the team’s performance. Local favorite Yann Ehrlacher achieved a remarkable second-place finish in the first race, while in the second race, Ma Qinghua and Santiago Urrutia secured a fantastic double podium finish. Urrutia's outstanding drive helped maintain his grip on the championship standings. The shared CMA architecture of the Geely Preface TCR with their commercial road vehicles showcases the brand's commitment to translating high-performance racing technology into consumer-friendly vehicles.

Expanding Market Presence

In June, Geely made strides to enhance its footprint in France by conducting an exclusive Discovery Tour for local dealers. This initiative culminated in cooperation agreements for 60 retail outlets, aiming to establish a robust sales and service network across the nation. This local engagement is vital as Geely looks to enhance its brand recognition and commitment to the European market.

Furthermore, the recognition of the Geely Starray EM-i, awarded the People’s Choice PHEV Award by Les Numériques, highlights the company’s dedication to producing products that resonate with the local consumer base. The Geely E5, an all-electric model, alongside the plug-in hybrid Starray EM-i, both received commendable five-star safety ratings from Euro NCAP, further underscoring Geely’s commitment to safety and quality.

Technological Advancements

Geely’s Research & Development teams, based in Sweden and Germany, play a crucial role in calibrating the chassis and powertrain systems specifically for the European market. This approach allows Geely to leverage its comprehensive China-Europe R&D framework to ensure that technologies refined in the heat of racing competitions are effectively adapted for mass-market vehicles.

This approach is mirrored in Geely's operational model, which incorporates global R&D with tailored local marketing and after-sales services, offering an integrated three-dimensional operational system. A visit from a delegation of French dealers to Geely’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and safety laboratories in China has fostered mutual confidence, essential for building strong local partnerships.

Shaping Brand Perception

Thanks to the effectiveness of its products and the enthusiasm surrounding its retail network and racing achievements, Geely has successfully transformed consumer perceptions in Europe. The brand is increasingly recognized as a significant player in the automotive industry, blending cutting-edge Chinese engineering with local adaptations.

As Geely looks ahead, the company reaffirms its commitment to the full season of participation in the TCR series, while simultaneously working to expand its retail network and innovate regionally optimized technologies. These efforts are geared towards solidifying Geely's competitive edge within Europe's rapidly evolving new energy vehicle market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Geely Preface TCR’s achievements in the FIA TCR World Tour affirm the brand's modern technological underpinnings and strategic local engagements, signifying a bright future for Geely in the European automotive landscape. As they continue to capitalize on the momentum built from recent successes and innovative product offerings, Geely aims to establish itself as a formidable force in the auto racing world and beyond.