WTCR changes format to cut the running costs

The WTCR weekends will feature a new look from this season after the introduction of a number of cost-cutting measures. Subject to FIA World Motor Sport Council approval on 6 March, the changes will help to bring back the costs at a manageable level in the spirit of the TCR category’s ethos as a customer racing activity.
From 2020 drivers will now run in one Qualifying session, using the three-phase shootout format, instead of the current two sessions. There will be even more focus on the races following a move to a two-races-per-weekend format. With the exception of the WTCR Race of Germany, where the Nürburgring Nordschleife allows for three-lap races only, the Race 2 action will last for around three laps longer than Race 1. The Race 1 grid will be partially reversed with the Race 2 grid decided by the combined qualifying order.
Following on from restrictions to staff numbers introduced for the 2019 season, further reductions have been agreed. Two-car teams will be restricted to 12 personnel and three-car teams limited to 18 personnel. However, only 10 personnel per team will be assigned the armbands that permit them to work on a car. There will be a tweak to the tyre regulations as well with 18 new Goodyear tyres allowed per car for the first event and 12 new tyres allowed thereafter. This falls from an allowance of 22 and 18 respectively. Both steps are designed to reduce costs and make WTCR racing more affordable for even more teams.

Picture: DPPI