The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship is moving to turbo charged engines for 2012. Flow testing (the testing of the induction system) is being finalised to ensure that there’s a level playing field between turbocharged S2000-based cars and their newer ‘Next Generation Touring Car’ rivals throughout 2012.
The BTCC’s Engine Technical Review Panel – headed by internationally renowned automotive engine/powertrain consultant Clive Dopson and utilising the resources of Lotus Engineering – has carried out the programme, which started in November. It has received unanimous support from all competing teams and their engine builders, all of whom sit on the ETRP.
Dopson commented: “There is very definitely an underlying trust and confidence among all the engine builders that we’ve got this spot on. The feedback and support we’ve received while carrying out this programme has been highly positive and, in fact, some of our tests have been useful for them correlating their own data and testing. We’ve got massive amounts of data and our readings have been very consistent and accurate. Once those baseline values are set, then during the course of the season the mathematical methodology will automatically govern any further adjustments when and if needed – it’s a straightforward calculation exercise and not open to conjecture.”
BTCC is renowned for having a large type of different cars on the grid. The turbo engine flow testing should ensure that performance levels are similar, meaning the best driver should still shine through rather than the most powerful car. Ballast rules remain in force to further open up the field.
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