November 2014 – After seven years LIQUI MOLY is terminating its engagement in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). In its place the German motor oil and additive experts will continue their sponsoring activities with Volkswagen at the new TC3 International Series next year. “Here we are returning to our roots: a racing series consisting exclusively of private drivers, with equal chances for all teams”, said Peter Bauman, Marketing Manager at LIQUI MOLY.
LIQUI MOLY has supported the Engstler Team in its endeavors for the Touring Car Championship since 2008. This year Franz Engstler was successful in securing his claim for the world championship title for private drivers ahead of time. However this highlight also marked the end of the commitment. Because, in the meantime, the factory teams participating in the WTCC have become so dominant that the dwindling number of private drivers no longer has a chance. “That is why we are no longer supporting participation in the WTCC”, continued Peter Baumann. “But we are not through with racing.”
In 2015 LIQUI MOLY will be at the starting line at the newly christened “TC3 International Series”. The ‘Captain’ of this new racing series is Marcello Lotti, who also founded the WTCC. The “TC3 International Series” is a racing series reserved for private drivers exclusively. “We want to compete in a series, where the ability of the drivers stands as the main factor “, stated Baumann.
During the next few months the LIQUI MOLY Engstler team will trade its BMW TC2 for three Golf GTI’s. “For us, as a German brand, it is important to have a German automobile manufacturer in the passenger seat”, explained Baumann. The LIQUI MOLY Engstler team is one of the eight teams founding the new racing series. Three races will be held together with Formula 1 races. “This shows just how high class the new TC3 Series is”, said Baumann.
Team chief Franz Engstler is also excited about the TC3. “It is something very special to be one of the founding teams in a completely new racing series. The performance level is so high, the race is sure to be unbelievably exciting.It is fantastic that our long-term partner LIQUI MOLY is supporting us in this new adventure.”
This new motor sports format comprises a total of twelve races on three continents. This will guarantee worldwide media presence for LIQUI MOLY. This racing series will focus on Asia. “This is very fortunate for us, because our business has a particularly high growth rate there”, said Baumann. The success of the LIQUI MOLY Engstler team was important, “But for us the races are more important as a marketing instrument, allowing us to invite customers and introduce our brand.”
About LIQUI MOLY
LIQUI MOLY GmbH from Ulm in South Germany offers a wide range of high-quality products such as motor oils, additives, vehicle care products and service products. The range includes some 4000 items. LIQUI MOLY develops and tests their products in their own laboratories, manufactures exclusively in Germany and markets all of their products themselves. LIQUI MOLY was founded some 50 years ago and is now one of the leading companies in the industry. The products are sold in Germany and in 110 other countries.