BTCC - What is going on?

olv

olv

olv

Soldato
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I don't follow BTCC but was watching the coverage from knockhill last night and couldn't believe that a diesel leon was comfortably beating everyone.

How and why is a diesel competative? I would have thought that given an equal playing field that a race spec petrol engine would have the clear advantage over a diesel? Also, how come the diesel is allowed to have a turbo when no one else is?

Another couple of small points. Rear wheel drive BMW being beaten by a Vauxhall vectra and diesel leon. And the all time greatest most amazing FWD car ever ever ever, the Integra, nowhere near the top...

What is BTCC doing to the natural order?
 
olv said:
How and why is a diesel competative? I would have thought that given an equal playing field that a race spec petrol engine would have the clear advantage over a diesel? Also, how come the diesel is allowed to have a turbo when no one else is?
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You've kind of answered your own question there, it's not a level playing field - there are different regulations for petrol and diesel cars to make them competitive.
 
The massive toque of the diesel engines were ideal for the steep climbs out of corners on Knockhill and the Integra is soooooo last year:)
 
All the teams (except Seat, obv) are lobbying for Alan Gow to change the rules to limit the power of the diesels as it's just ridiculous and prevents good racing.

Also, with regard to the BMWs, Matt Jackson is using a 5 speed manual box to avoid the weight penalty the others have because they use a 6 speed sequential. TBH with the close mid-pack racing in BTCC I don't think RWD is much of an advantage.
 
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In all world motorsports there are different rules for Diesel cars compaired to Petrol. They were introduced to encorage people to use Diesel as it is seen as 'Greener'. The trouble is, these rules provide an advantage, and the world motorsport regulators (FIA, etc etc) need to refresh the rules as some people have developed top line Diesel cars that are noticably at an advantage.

The WTCC and BTCC are suffering from the lapse rules around touring cars, with Diesel Leons storming ahead, lower level racing is borked, with Evo magazine running that Diesel Caddy van with great success, something that just shouldnt be possible, and the Le Mans series is completely broken. The more leniant rules around Diesel in LMES and ALMS have meant that there is now a split in the P1 class between the Diesels, and the much slower Petrols. Just ask Henri Pescarolo....
 
Well, you say that, but the French authorities (who make the rules for the LMES and Le Mans, but not the ALMS) were all set on making all P1 cars closed cockpit only, then suddenly decided they didnt want to change it. They seem to like too-ing and frow-ing.

But yes, they should be leveling things out soon, I hope. Its not just Henri, Id like to see more than 2 teams (1 in the years before Pug) with a chance of winning Le Mans.
 
Skeeter said:
Well, you say that, but the French authorities (who make the rules for the LMES and Le Mans, but not the ALMS) were all set on making all P1 cars closed cockpit only, then suddenly decided they didnt want to change it. They seem to like too-ing and frow-ing.
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:( hadn't heard they'd change their minds on that.

I dare say Audi have quite a bit of sway over them.
 
I want Rovers, Capris, RX7's, 635csi's, Volvos and Jags in my BTCC! Flipping mobile chip vans racing, what next, C5's!!

Rant over, as you were men!
 
Was a fantastic weekend.

Plato was never going to win the 3rd race but Onslow-Cole decided to smash him out anyway.

There was a huge battle going on between Vauxhall and Seat. It was brilliant.

And Plato's second win, Giovanardi was just 10ths of seconds behind the whole race. It was fantastic.

Much better watching this live than on the telly ;)

Back OT.... Yeah the diesels have loads of pull up the hills. Definate advantage at Knockhill seeing as though it is all hills.
 
I dont think it's fair that all 3 vauxhalls score manufacturers points though. Clearly they stand the best chance of scoring points in that situation. They should be forced to nominate 2 drivers to score manufactureres points before the race weekend.
 
I did think the 3 VXRs is a little unfair, but the rules state that any team can do it, even thought it's only really the manufacturer teams who can afford it. Last year Seat had 3 cars at most events.

IMO they should make it 2 car maximum.
 
Spunkey said:
I did think the 3 VXRs is a little unfair, but the rules state that any team can do it, even thought it's only really the manufacturer teams who can afford it. Last year Seat had 3 cars at most events.

IMO they should make it 2 car maximum.
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Why, when the diseasals have a performance advantage?
 
Suppose rules are rules.

If Vauxhall want to use their CDTI engine then they can and then get rid of Seat's advantage.

Seat can also use 3 cars.

Unless the rules have been changed then expect all cars to be running diesel engines in the next few years.
 
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