#France #Geely #Le Castellet #Preface #TCR

Geely Preface TCR Shines at Circuit Paul Ricard

The recent Kumho FIA TCR World Tour 2026 held at Circuit Paul Ricard in France marked a remarkable milestone for Geely Group Motorsport and Geely Cyan Racing. The team experienced an emotionally charged weekend, finishing strong with three podium placements, notably with Santiago Urrutia maintaining his lead in the championship standings.

Under the scorching sun of the Grade 1 FIA circuit, the Geely Preface TCR showcased its significant racing prowess. Local hero Yann Ehrlacher achieved an impressive second place in the first race, while Ma Qinghua and Santiago Urrutia secured a remarkable double podium finish in the second race, underscoring the weekend's competitive spirit.

Leveraging Racing Technology for Consumer Benefits

The Geely Preface TCR race car employs the same CMA architecture as Geely's production vehicles, translating racing-grade handling performance into tangible benefits for everyday consumers. As the brand enhances its reputation on the racetrack, it simultaneously expands its reach in the consumer sector.

Just a month prior, Geely organized an exclusive 'Discovery Tour' targeted at French dealerships, facilitating cooperation agreements involving 60 sales points. This initiative is aimed at establishing a robust national sales and after-sales network in partnership with local distributors. Additionally, the Geely Starray EM-i won the "People's Choice PHEV Award" from Les Numériques, a prominent digital media outlet in France.

In response to European market expectations, Geely has launched two flagship models: the fully electric E5 (the EX5 in Geely's line-up) and the plug-in hybrid Starray EM-i. Both models attained top ratings of five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests. The chassis and powertrain systems are tailored specifically for the European market, thanks to dedicated research and development teams based in Sweden and Germany. Bridging efforts between China and Europe, Geely consistently adapts validated technologies from rigorous track tests to its consumer vehicles.

A Strong Commitment to Market Integration

Geely's operational strategy embodies a three-dimensional system that harmonizes global research and development, local aftersales service, and region-specific marketing initiatives. Recently, a delegation of French dealers visited Geely's intelligent manufacturing plants and comprehensive safety laboratories in China, further solidifying mutual trust within this partnership.

This commitment has led to a warm reception of its products, a rapid expansion of distribution networks, and repeated successes in motorsport, reshaping European consumers' perceptions of Geely. The brand is increasingly recognized as a global automotive manufacturer with unique engineering capabilities tailored for Europe.

Future Plans and Competitive Edge

Looking ahead, Geely plans to continue its participation throughout the entire TCR season while simultaneously working to expand its European distribution network. By optimizing automotive technologies regionally, the brand aims to continually enhance its competitive edge within the European new energy vehicle market. As evidenced by recent advancements, Geely remains dedicated to pushing boundaries, whether on the racetrack or in the consumer auto sector.