New reversed grid and weights for 2009

The FIA World Touring Car Championship organisers are considering a new variable reverse grid system for the second race next season, according to Autosport. The new system could be similar to the one used in the British Touring Car Championship where the number of cars reversed can vary between six and ten.

The current WTCC reversed grid-regulations reverses the top eight in the finishing order of race one. This how ever can encourage drivers to slow down to be able to get a better starting position in the second race.

The suggestion was discussed during the FIA Touring Car Comission. During the meeting it was announced that there will be a turbo-boost limit next year and that cars homologated before the end of 2006 will be given a 15 kilo weight break.

This will mainly play in the hands of BMW as their car is the only car homologated before the end of 2006. Chevrolet will run the brand new Cruze next year and SEAT’s Léon has been homologated after 2006.

President of the FIA Touring Car Comission Jonathan Ashman commented to Autosport:

“It’s aimed at helping the independent teams. The old system didn’t really help them, especially those who are using older cars.

“The downside of the balancing system was that our priority had to be the factory cars, but this should help the balance for the older cars.”