BTCC reverts to original race two grid rules for 2016

The race two starting grid for the 2016 BTCC season will revert to being set by finishing positions from race one, after organisers trialled a new system in 2015.

The change, outlined in the release of the 2016 Sporting Regulations following the end of season TOCA/BTCC teams’ meeting, moves away from the system trialled in 2015, which saw a driver’s fastest lap in race one determine his starting position for race two.

The decision to revert back to the original rules comes after the organisers decided that the increased ballast levels and soft tyres are producing the desired level of differing race results.

While there were no other changes of note, TOCA also made it clear that any applications for additional TOCA BTCC Licences (TBLs), which must be filed by the end of this month, would only be considered if accompanied with complete details of the additional car, driver and funding. Should any of these details change between the approval of the license and the start of the season, TOCA may immediately withdraw the license and re-issue it to another applicant.

“The fact that there are so few amendments to the BTCC sporting regulations for 2016 is testament to the regulations we already have in place,” said series director Alan Gow. “As far as the TBLs are concerned, I’m not yet sure exactly how many additional licences will be available until next month, but I do know it will be very, very few and that they are highly sought-after.”