The sporting regulations for the 2016 British Touring Car Championship have been finalised, with the only change being that the grid for race two will no longer be decided by race one fastest lap times.
A new rule was introduced for the 2015 season which saw the grid for race two decided by the order of fastest lap times from each day’s opening race. The new rule often saw the race leader go on to post the fastest lap time for race two, by virtue of having a clear track in front.
The decision has been made to revert to the system used since 2005, where the grid for race two is decided by the finishing order from race one. BTCC officials consider that the increased ballast levels and the use of the soft tyre are having the desired effect on producing varied race results, without the need for the extra grid rule.
The biggest beneficiaries of the race two grid rule in 2015 were Jason Plato and Mat Jackson, who each took pole for race two on three occasions, followed by Gordon Shedden twice and Sam Tordoff and Colin Turkington on one occasion. On six occasions the pole sitter went on to win the race.
In addition, teams have been advised that if they wish to apply for any additional TOCA BTCC Licences then details must be provided relating to the additional car, driver and funding.
If details are approved but then subsequently change prior to the start of the season then TOCA may immediately withdraw the licence and reissue it to another applicant.
Applications for additional TBLs must be lodged by the end of October 2015.
“The fact that there are so few amendments to the BTCC sporting regulations for 2016 is testament to the regulations we already have in place,” said Series Director Alan Gow. “As far as the TBLs are concerned, I’m not yet sure exactly how many additional licences will be available until next month, but I do know it will be very, very few and that they are highly sought-after.”