BMWs, SEATs get weight break

Date published : 22 Jun 2011 - 15:27:05

Drivers of BMW and SEAT machinery have been given weight reductions for the next round of the World Touring Car Championship at Porto. BMWs were given a 30kg weight increase for the previous round at Brno based on the compensation weight system that balances performance based on lap times over the past two rounds. The 320TC which is fielded by the ROAL, Proteam, Zengo-Dension and Weichers-Sport teams, has been given 10kg back, but remains the heaviest car in the field at 1200kg. The SUNRED SEAT squad's switch from 2-litre turbodiesel to 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engines at the Hungaroring incurred newcomers ballast, but with two rounds now completed by the car/engine combination, all Leons are now eligible to run under the rules of compensation weight. As a result, the cars will run 60kg lighter than at Brno at 1130kg. The championship-leading Chevrolet Cruze will be the most-ballasted car at Porto, 40kg of compensation weight taking it up to 1190kg. The Polestar Volvo will run at the same weight, and will become eligible to run under compensation weight rules from the following round at Donington Park.