A new “weight handicap” system in 2008

The weight handicap system was revised for the 2008 season and saw its name change to “success ballast.”

The new system was approved by the FIA World Council, following a proposal from the WTCC – World Touring Car Championship commission. The handicap remains based on the same criteria as last season: on Championship points and race results.

Initially, a criterion based on driver championship points is used, adding 1 kilo to each driver for every point scored.

In a second stage, based on the total points obtained during the two rounds of each race, a driver will be assigned more or less weight:

– 1er : +30 kg

– 2e : +25 kg

– 3e: +20 kg

– 4e: +15 kg

– 5e: +10 kg

– 6e: +5 kg

These ballast weights will be recalculated after each race, reshuffling the cards at each new stage of the championship. In 2007, this was the main flaw of the WTCC, even prompting drivers to complain to the FIA. According to them, they kept the ballast for too long, even after a poor race.

Weight handicaps may nevertheless be combined up to a limit of 70 kg (previously 60 kg).

Moreover, a 30 kg handicap will be automatically assigned to each new driver registered for a race, whereas only 10 kg of ballast was previously mandatory.