‘More spectacular’ WTCC cars approved

06.12.12
The World Motor Sport Council yesterday gave approval in principle for FIA World Touring Car Championship vehicles to get a major makeover for the 2014 edition of the series.

According to a WMSC statement, “new Technical Regulations for 2014 Super 2000 cars were agreed in principle by the WMSC to provide for more spectacular cars with bigger aerodynamic devices and greater performance through weight reduction and power increase, while maintaining similar costs. 

“More technical freedom will be allowed in order to cancel the current system of waivers and balance of performance,” the statement added. “However a balance of technology between front- and rear-wheel drive cars (balance of technologies) will be maintained.”

The WMSC also confirmed that the Brazilian round of the 2013 championship, originally slated for 27 July at the Autódromo Internacional de Curitiba has been removed from the calendar. It also revealed that from next season diesel cars will no longer be accepted in the championship

In the FIA European Rallycross Championship a number of changes have been made to the 2013 regulations. 

To begin with drivers will no longer be excluded from the race as a result of a false start. Instead, a driver will be required to complete two Joker laps. The Joker lap is a longer, slower section of track a driver usually has to complete once during a race. Results from each round of the Championship will now be counted towards the title.

From next year the series will also feature a ‘Rookie of the Year’ prize awarded to the highest-placed driver competing in his or her first FIA SuperCar season. From 2013 drivers will be permitted a maximum of three engines per season. Any additional engines used will be penalised by the deduction of 20 championship points per engine. Also, only two turbos are authorised per event. Any additional turbos will be penalised by 15-point reduction.