Diesel engines to be controlled

Diesel engines in the World Touring Car Championship will have their performance controlled through the imposition of limits for fuel pressure, boost pressure, and air/fuel mix ratio this season

Edd Straw Jan 17, 2008, 4:32 PM

The move is designed to ensure that diesel and petrol engines can compete on a level playing field, but the precise limits for each engine's performance have yet to be finalised.

The parameters, which will be self-governed but monitored through the use of a control device, will be set by drawing on data from both SEAT and BMW's diesel units.

FIA Touring Car Commission president Jonathan Ashman said: "Exactly how it works is still to be decided, but we can make changes at any point. Inevitably there will be a bedding-in period in the early days as it will need some adjusting.

BMW have yet to finalise whether they will race their diesel engine in 2008, although it is understood that its performance during testing has been strong.

SEAT will run all five of their works cars with diesel power, although because of the improved engine it will no longer be allowed to run with the flat-floor dispensation introduced two years ago to improve its straightline performance.