Diesel engines strictly regulated!

The International Automobile Federation – FIA, announced today that it has revised the regulations in the WTCC Touring Championship regarding Diesel engines.

Starting in 2008, diesel engines will thus be more regulated and almost restricted to compete equally with gasoline engines.

In 2007, Seat was the first team to introduce a TDi engine on the circuits. Quickly proving to be much more efficient than gasoline, BMW also started developing a similar engine for the start of the 08 season. However, to not disadvantage other teams and as Chevrolet recommended, all cars equipped with TDi Diesel will be regulated.

Initially, the air pressure as well as the fuel pressure injected at each explosion will be limited. Subsequently, the air/diesel mixture inserted will be reduced.

The president of the WTCC, Jonathan Ashman, commented: « The exact conditions of the new regulations have not yet been disclosed, but the settings of each team will be controlled by a unit verified by the officials. Thus, no cheating possible. »

« However, during the first races of the season, in order to properly adapt the process and during its adjustments; we will be more lenient. »

It is specifically the Chevrolet team that is behind this new regulation after asking the FIA to find a way to reduce the inequalities between these two types of engines.