The Balance of Performance [BoP] test for the new 2019-spec TCR cars was held in Valencia yesterday at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, with Dan Lloyd sampling five new or updated models and one benchmark car.
The TCR technical staff worked together with Lloyd and the FIA Technical Delegate Carlos Barros during the test on the Renault Mégane, LADA Vesta, Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce, Hyundai Veloster N and the Lynk&Co 03.
All cars started the test according to the latest BoP table (Nr 13, 2018) and throughout the day were then tested according to different weight configurations and ground level clearances.
Explained Andreas Bellu, head of the TCR Technical Department: “In the second half of last season we had achieved a very good balance in performance, therefore we decided to start from that.
“Now we will use all the data collected in the three stages of the BoP process like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.”
Lloyd acted as the official TCR test driver for the second consecutive year and explained how it was a challenging task.
“I was really proud to be appointed as the official BoP tester again,” said Lloyd. “It seems like I did a good job last year. There were less cars this year, but still a lot of track time and lots to do.
“It’s a difficult job, because there are many variables between the cars, so we have to figure out how to get the best feedback possible from each of them in the small time we have.”
The initial BoP list will be published in early March and must be adopted by all series and championships regulated by the TCR Technical Regulations. The BoP will be adjusted during the year by a common compensation weight system and the sporting regulations of each championship.
