Vila Real joker lap to be revised following concerns raised by the teams

The WTCC’s first joker lap, due to take place this afternoon at Vila Rael, will be modified following an expression of concern filed with the FIA by all of the teams in the championship yesterday, with an extra session to try out modifications scheduled for this afternoon.

The team managers have raised concerns over the speed differential between the cars where the cars re-join after taking their lap, with the potential for contact with the cars on the racing line deemed a high risk by a number of drivers.

The WTCC organisers have released the following statement:

Following Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2 at FIA WTCC Race of Portugal yesterday (Saturday), team managers expressed their concerns over the implementation of the ‘joker’ lap exit, specifically regarding cars leaving the alternative route and cars exiting the final corner of the conventional lap.

Those concerns have been heard by FIA officials and following consultation with drivers and team managers, a proposal was made to narrow the exit of the ‘joker’ lap and lengthen the exit line by approximately 15 metres to reduce the risk of the crossing of racing lines as a means of addressing safety concerns.

The local event organiser has made the separation line not only longer but more visible and the event timetable has been amended, following the approval of the FIA stewards, to allow for a 15-minute reconnaissance at 13h30 to allow drivers to experience the new layout.

It has also been decided that in the event of a wet race being declared, the ‘joker’ lap will not be applied.

The decision to not hold the joker lap in a wet race could be key, as there’s a good chance of rain forecast for the races this afternoon, which begin at 16:30 local time.