TOCA revises sporting regs

BTCC series director Alan Gow announced revisions to the reverse grid system, success ballast, tyres testing and FIA S2000 homologation conditions.

"As pointed out previously, our sporting regulations have already proved hugely successful so were only ever likely to undergo a few minor tweaks," said Gow. "I am very pleased with these revisions.

"I'm also pleased with the very positive attitude of the BTCC teams," he added. "By embracing these revisions they have demonstrated a clear understanding of how important it is to work together for the good of the championship and its future and to deliver the best sporting spectacle to our millions of fans and viewers."

Below is a brief summary of the changes...

Race three's starting grid will be determined by race two's finishing order but with the top ten positions reversed. This rule had previously applied to the second race.

The top five drivers in the points will carry a 'Championship Ballast' through qualifying and the first race. Success ballast will be carried by the top five finishers of race one in the second race and the same process will be used for the third race. Negative ballast has been dropped.

Each driver will be limited to 16 Dunlop tyres per weekend - a reduction of 20 percent.

All teams will be permitted up to four days testing during the season. These tests can only take place during general test days and on circuits where the BTCC has raced that season.

Any driver who receives a license endorsement from the BTCC Clerk of the Course will automatically be relegated six places on the grid for the next race.

Teams will be permitted to build their own cars and enter them for the championship if they do not have FIA homologation. The BTCC will grant the cars 'local homologation', provided they meet all current S2000 requirements.