Gasgoo Munich-The 2026 FIA TCR World Tour kicked off at Italy's Misano Circuit from May 8 to 10. Making its world debut, the Geely Cyan Racing fielded the all-new Xingrui TCR. The team secured one win and two podiums. They also set the fastest lap of the weekend. These results signaled that Chinese brands possess the competitiveness to challenge for top honors in touring car racing.
Chinese driver Ma Qinghua stood atop the podium. This marked a milestone for Chinese motorsport. It also served as proof that the country's automotive industry has reached a new level.
Image Source: Geely Auto
In Sunday's second race, Ma Qinghua started from third. A fast start and decisive moves allowed him to pass at Turn 10. He then took command of the race. Despite pressure from behind, he drove flat-out for 13 laps to secure a historic debut win for the Xingrui TCR. It marked Ma's return to the top of the TCR World Tour podium since the 2024 Zhuzhou round. "Driving a Chinese race car to the top of the global stage again makes me incredibly proud," Ma said.
As Geely's third-generation TCR contender, the Xingrui TCR is built on the CMA architecture. It is powered by a Haosi Power 2.0T turbocharged engine. The car features optimizations in braking, power delivery, and transmission control. The longer wheelbase provides superior high-speed stability and improved handling in wet conditions. These attributes allowed it to excel at Misano, a circuit defined by high speeds and heavy braking.
Image Source: Geely Auto
Under the FIA's Balance of Performance regulations, the car started the season at 1,285 kg with 97.5% power output. Winning on debut validates its world-class competitiveness.
Image Source: Geely Auto
Ahead of the race, Yang Xueliang, Senior Vice President of Geely Holding Group, remarked, "When this car hits the global track, it carries more than just victory or defeat. It embodies the confidence of Geely and the Chinese automotive industry to break through to the top." After the race, Chen Jun, Director of Geely Holding Group's Motorsport Department, added, "A Chinese driver winning the debut race in the all-new Xingrui TCR is a source of pride for Chinese auto brands and a defining moment for Chinese motorsport."
Following Misano, the 2026 FIA TCR World Tour will travel to Valencia, Le Castellet, Vila Real, Inje, and Chengdu, Zhuzhou, and Macau. Building on a strong opening, the Geely Cyan Racing is challenging for both world championships. The first chapter of this new era for Chinese racing has begun.
