· DHL handles all logistics services for WTCC, including transportation and custom clearance of team cars
· 12-turn Chang International Circuit with 50,000 seat grandstand will host 11th race of the WTTC season on October 31st to November 1st
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 will be responsible for all logistics services, including transportation and customs clearance of team cars, spares, tyres, scrutineering equipment, fuel, pit & broadcasting equipment at Buriram International Circuit (also known as Chang International Circuit) on October 31st to November 1st which is the 11th race of the 2015 WTCC season and the first time the race has been held in Thailand.
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 Shanghai, China, the host of the previous WTCC race, over 4,000 kilometers to Buriram, Thailand so that everything is in place on time, and all participating teams can concentrate on their preparations for the upcoming race. During the WTCC 2015 season, the total distance across all twelve races amounts to approximately 87,500 km.
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 30 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.