- DHL has been Official Logistics Partner of the FIA WTCC since 2010
- FIA WTCC DHL RACE OF QATAR represents the first time that Qatar has hosted the global motor-racing championship
- DHL handles all logistics services for WTCC, including transportation and custom clearance of team cars
Qatar, November 26, 2015: Logistics has always been the “behind-the-scenes” engine of motorsports events around the world. No cars, engines, or fuel would ever reach the race venue on time without efficient logistics. And truly world class motor sports events need world class logistics partners.
DHL, the world’s leading logistics company, has been Official Logistics Partner of the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) since 2010. In 2015, the logistics specialist has been responsible for all logistics services, including transportation and customs clearance of team cars, spares, tyres, scrutineering equipment, fuel, pit & broadcasting equipment at the FIA WTCC DHL RACE OF QATAR, which is the final race of the 2015 WTCC season. The race in Qatar will also be the first time that the gulf nation has hosted the global motor-racing championship.
Nael Attiyat, Country Manager, Qatar, DHL Express, said: “The rapidly growing international event requires essential support from different all areas — logistics being one of them. DHL has been pivotal in providing international logistic solutions and expertise throughout the championship. Thorough preparations have been deployed to ensure Qatar’s successful hosting of the race which mirrors the continuous efforts of showcasing the country’s outstanding capabilities to organize such renowned global sporting events.
For a world class motorsports event, speed off the track as well as on it is what matters. Almost 200 tons of cargo for the championship has had to be quickly dispatched from Buriram, Thailand, the host of the previous WTCC race, over 5480 kilometers to the Losail circuit in Qatar, so that everything was in place on time, and all participating teams could concentrate on their preparations for the race.
The race behind the race
For the teams competing in WTCC, it’s all about the racing against your competitors, but for DHL it’s a race against the clock and every minute counts. An unrivalled international network and quick, reliable delivery, right up to the last minute if needed, are among DHL’s major selling points. For shorter transit times or in the case of emergencies, DHL uses its international express delivery service, which can connect over 90% of the world’s business districts within 48 hours. DHL’s network can call on aircraft, helicopters, trucks and even boats and motorcycles at short notice to ship urgently needed items across the globe. Behind all the high octane action on the WTCC tracks, DHL is hard at work behind the scenes. The transportation of a large part of the equipment requires special care and attention. DHL’s extensive experience of over thirty years in supporting motor sports championships brings specialist expertise and the know how to handle sensitive, high value and fragile equipment, as well as dangerous goods.
Good logistics in WTCC means good planning. Hence, preparation for the season already starts during each prior season. Long distance overseas shipments, in particular, require thorough planning. All required paperwork and materials have to be checked far in advance to ensure smooth customs clearance upon arrival, and rules and regulations vary from country to country. DHL’s specialist motor sports are well versed in the specific requirements for the race equipment around the world and, well before the start of every WTCC season, DHL’s race behind the race is already underway.