The BTCC officials have announced a set of regulation changes for the upcoming 2015 season that will have a major impact on the racing.
The first change is concerning the grid for race 2 which has previously been set due to the finishing positions of race 1 therefore the winner of race 1 is frequently the winner of race 2. The change that has been set in the grid for race 2 will now be set according to fastest laps in race 1.
BTCC Rule Changes Aim to Cause Shake Up
The soft tyres are involved in the second rule change, last season drivers typically used their soft tyres in race 3 of the weekend because they can at times be slightly fastest. Saying that towards the end of the season the soft tyres started to get mixed up a bit more and drivers used them for races other than race 3. The rule that has been enforced is the drivers now must use the soft tyres 3 times in race 1, 3 in race 2 and 3 in race 3. Of course this excludes the Thruxton round where the soft tyres are not deemed to be safe as it is a high derogating track so only the medium tyres will be used.
The Jack Sears trophy will have a new look again, last season it was given to the driver who made up the most places over the course of the season. Next season it will be given to the top Rookie Driver in the field should there be enough drivers to make the competition worthwhile.
After a whole season of Plato’s constant moaning the BTCC was always going to have to find a way to stop what some people perceive as a massive Rear Wheel Drive advantage that doesn’t really exist if you look back over the whole season. So what has been decided is the maximum success ballast will be increased from this seasons 45kg, it has not yet been announced what the ballast will be increased to. The part that will affect RWD is the ballast will be placed as far forward as possible this means they will not be able to increase traction in the rear of the car as much and I assume they believe this will take away part of the advantage. It may well do but the RWD cars will have to focus trying to fix that issue during winter testing.
Now that more regulations have been announced I expect there will start to moves in the driver market mainly coming towards the end of November and it will certainly be interesting to see who makes it onto the grid and who moves where.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @Lily_Fenton. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Interested in writing for LWOS? We are looking for enthusiastic, talented writers to join our Formula 1 writing team. Visit our “Write for Us” page for very easy details in how you can get started today!
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
Main Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
