Ribeiro: Race for 2017 WTCC title too close to call

FIA World Touring Car Championship promoter François Ribeiro says next season’s title race is wide open.

He expects as many as nine drivers to battle for the coveted world title in 2017 with the 10-event campaign kicking off at WTCC Race of Morocco from 7-9 April.

“I see there will likely be seven to nine drivers able to become world champion next year” said Ribeiro, the Head of Eurosport Events. “You have to rewind far away into the WTCC archives to find such an open championship. Unpredictability and close racing is what the fans want.”

José María López claimed his third consecutive WTCC crown in 2016 but is switching to the FIA Formula E Championship next season.