Lotti: “It is only clarifications of the rules”

The FIA World Touring Car Championship has been heavily affected by the recent rule farce. Series promotor Marcello Lotti explains the situation.
“The situation after Marrakech left the FIA no other choice but to adopt the most rigorous approach in enforcing the existing regulations,” said Lotti.

“However, after the event in Pau it became clear that it was not in the interest of the competitors to put the rule maker and referee of WTCC, the FIA, in such a position. Instead, all agreed to ask the FIA to clarify the rules.”

The most recent changes was the turbo pressure of the turbo diesel SEAT cars.

The maximum pressure has been changed three times. From 2.5 bar with a 0.4 bar tolerance, to 2.5 without a tolerance to the most recent of 2.7.

But Lotti does not see this as changes of the regulations.

“Not at all. As it was clearly indicated these were clarifications of the existing regulations. Before the beginning of the season the FIA fixed the limit of the supercharged air pressure to 2.5 bar relative, a value that was to be adjusted taking into account the outside air pressure and temperature.

This resulted in 2.5 bar in Puebla and 2.9 in Marrakech. Now, using the experience from the first four events of the season, the FIA was able to fix a new limit which is due to stay – without fluctuations – until the end of the season,” said Lotti.

Lotti has no doubt that the season can progress without further problems.

“We are confident that this, together with the compensation weight system, will actually balance performance on the track and ensure the close racing we all want to see.”