Series changes rules to allow ETCC cars

The new regulations will see BTCC and ETCC-spec cars race against each other on equal terms, and could enable the four manufacturers that currently compete in the ETCC - BMW, Alfa Romeo, Volvo and SEAT - to run in the British series.

Adjustments to the sporting regulations will be used to ensure both type of car are evenly matched. Although no details have been confirmed, this is likely to take the form of ballasting.

The rule change is designed to increase the number of manufacturers in the BTCC, a stated priority for Gow since his return to the helm of the championship. Four manufacturers currently run in the series, down from as many as ten in the championship's mid-90s Super Touring prime.

"The first day I was appointed as Administrator I was in contact with the manufacturers and the reaction has been extremely positive," said Gow. "I will be holding further talks with them in the near future. The current BTCC teams and manufacturers have also welcomed this new with open arms. It is an enormously positive step forward for the BTCC.

"This will create an arena in which the BTCC can return to its heady days of the 1990s when we had up to nine manufacturers competing against each other with 25 Touring Cars on the grid."

Gow added that he was set to unveil more changes to the BTCC in the future. "I also intend to make some more very positive announcements regarding the future of the BTCC in the coming weeks. This is the start of another very exciting era in the BTCC and one that everyone should be really looking forward to."