Geely Auto Group has just claimed its first FIA TCR World Tour with the all-new Geely Preface TCR at the Misano World Circuit. Piloted by Chinese driver Ma Qinghua, the win comes in just the first round of the brand’s first season with a Geely Preface.
Specifically, Ma won the second race of the season-opening round, with the team also securing a podium finish in its debut outing. Starting third on the grid, he immediately jumped into second place at turn one.
After a fierce battle with Jenson Brickley in the Honda Civic Type R TCR, as well as Spaniard Mikel Azcona in the Hyundai Elantra N TCR, Ma took the lead on lap six before steadily pulling away from the pack.
The final results saw Ma Qinghua take victory, followed by Mikel Azcona in second. Meanwhile, fellow Geely driver Thed Björk charged from sixth on the grid to secure third place and complete a double podium finish for the Geely Preface TCR.
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For now, few details about the Geely Preface TCR have been revealed. However, being based on Volvo Cars’ CMA platform, it could use an updated version of the underpinnings previously seen on the Lynk & Co 03 TCR from earlier seasons.
Speaking of which, the road-going version of the Geely Preface is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 217 hp and 325 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
It is also worth noting that this engine was originally developed by Aurobay in Sweden, which is now part of Horse Powertrain — the powertrain joint venture between Geely and Renault formed in 2024. Today, the company develops engines for various Geely Group models, including the BHE15 turbocharged four-cylinder engines used in Proton vehicles.
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A hybrid version is also set to arrive soon, and is already open for bookings in China. It features a 1.5-litre engine paired with an 11-in-1 hybrid-specific electric motor, delivering a combined output of 308 hp. Drive is once again sent to the front wheels, this time through a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). Altogether, Geely claims a fuel consumption figure of just 3.98 litres/100 km (WLTP).
Geely Group Motorsport, Chen Jun, said, “To see Ma Qinghua victorious with the all-new Geely Preface TCR during its debut weekend is a truly historic moment. It is a proud moment for Chinese automotive brands and the pride of the Chinese people. We will continue to push forward and compete on the world stage and showcase ‘Chinese speed’ on the world stage.”
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