BTCC 2022 thread

CSMonkeh · 12 Apr 2022 at 21:03

Since the new cars launched today, and the new season only 10 days away I thought I'd start this years thread

Calendar:
23/24 April Donington Park
Rounds 1,2,3

14/15 May Brands Hatch Indy Circuit
Rounds 4,5,6

28/29 May Thruxton
Rounds 7,8,9

11/12 June Oulton Park
Rounds 10,11,12

25/26 June Croft
Rounds 13,14,15

30/31 July Knockhill
Rounds 16,17,18

13/14 August Snetterton
Rounds 19,20,21

27/28 August Thruxton
Rounds 22,23,24

24/25 September Silverstone National Circuit
Rounds 25,26,27

8/9 October Brands Hatch GP Circuit
Rounds 28,29,30

New engine regulations

Taken from Autosport.com

TCC bosses confirmed further details on the 2022 rules this week, outlining how using a push-button system where drivers can use the power boost to defend or attack, will work.

Cosworth Electronics, which won the tender to supply the new units, has designed a 60-volt system which will weigh no more than 64kg when the full equipment is installed into the machines.

The BTCC currently uses weight to slow down the most successful cars, but that will be jettisoned in favour of an incremental restriction on the amount of hybrid power available to the leading drivers.

In its purest form, the hybrid boost will be available for a maximum of 15 seconds per lap and provide a power gain of approximately 40bhp.

There is no limit on how often the boost button can be pressed during the lap.

On Cosworth's performance simulations using the Silverstone circuit as a base, a car deploying hybrid power would gain eight metres on a rival coming out of Copse corner.

The power boost lasts until the driver presses the hybrid button for a second time, or it will deactivate by the use of the brakes, at the time or energy limit, reduced throttle pressure or a sudden deceleration or acceleration.

Regeneration will take place during the car's braking phase.

Hybrid power will not be available to drivers until after the first lap and it will only be available when a car is not wheel-spinning - ie: under full traction.

The level of boost and regeneration can be altered in wet conditions.

When the driver activates the hybrid system to attack or defend, fans will be alerted by an LED display on each car.

Each vehicle must also travel the length of the pitlane on full electric power.

MrKnifey · 13 Apr 2022 at 08:35

Looking forward to this season. Last season was great, be interesting to see how Sutton gets on in his new Focus

chrismscotland · 13 Apr 2022 at 09:14

Nice - hadn't realised this kicked off so soon - looking forward to it - hopefully actually get to a race this season!

cuke2u · 13 Apr 2022 at 10:40

Plato's last season too https://www.autosport.com/btcc/news...022-btcc-season-announces-retirement/9633193/

the-evaluator · 14 Apr 2022 at 09:37

Excellent, I've been looking forward to this. The change from ballast to limiting the hybrid power sounds really interesting.

SoliD · 14 Apr 2022 at 09:58

Looking forward to it. Btcc is my version of a brain off movie now, short sharp races with little etiquette, but still love it.

cuke2u · 14 Apr 2022 at 21:25

Gloves off sometimes, a bit like BSB...

TrueCrazyLion · 23 Apr 2022 at 01:34

Looking forward to it! The BTCC is probably my 2nd favourite Championship after F1, love watching ITV4’s coverage with all the support races being shown live too, makes a complete day of it and - IMO anyway - gives the viewer a flavour of what the experience must be like to actually spend the day at the event.
This Sunday will be a busy one, having this and the Grand Prix probably both on at the same time!
Can’t wait for the opening races, Donington is usually pretty action-packed.

Grumps82 · 24 Apr 2022 at 10:30

Yep really looking forward to this. It may not have the glitz and glamour of F1 but i far prefer the racing. It'll be interesting to see what this hybrid system brings.

mrgubby · 24 Apr 2022 at 12:28

Not a bad race 1

Armageus · 24 Apr 2022 at 23:04

Great few races, really enjoyed it.

Hybrid system has been well integrated and adds a new element without feeling too artificial

Quartz · 24 Apr 2022 at 23:28

Agh! Missed it. Will have to tune in in 3 weeks.

the-evaluator · 25 Apr 2022 at 08:23

WTF were the marshals doing? I think it was race 2 when Rick Parfitt stopped on the start/finish straight.

poosemon · 25 Apr 2022 at 09:13

the-evaluator said:
WTF were the marshals doing? I think it was race 2 when Rick Parfitt stopped on the start/finish straight.

That looked crazy with the cars coming down the start finish straight and marshals on the track edge attending to the car. Cars squirreling under braking as the started slowing down. Really looked amateur and asking for trouble.

the-evaluator · 25 Apr 2022 at 09:15

poosemon said:
That looked crazy with the cars coming down the start finish straight and marshals on the track edge attending to the car. Cars squirreling under braking as the started slowing down. Really looked amateur and asking for trouble.

Yep, Those marshals shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a live race track in future.

MrKnifey · 25 Apr 2022 at 13:12

Some good racing to be fair, Hill was flying all weekend!

the-evaluator · 25 Apr 2022 at 13:21

Yeah, it's a shame Hill got booted out of the first race.

Grumps82 · 30 Apr 2022 at 09:06

Yeah enjoyed the racing. I thought the hybrid system would have a bit more effect than it did. But good close racing throughout.

pepp77 · 3 May 2022 at 11:45

I'm gonna be at Brand Hatch on the 15th for the next rounds. Hoping its not quite as busy as Rossi's first appearance at the venue this past weekend for the GT.

the-evaluator · 15 May 2022 at 18:14

I didn't notice that ITV buggered about the broadcast today so I missed race 2. Bah.

Edit - the broadcast with race 2 finally appeared on catch up so I managed to watch it.