20/1/2003

British Motorsport Promoters has announced a number of significant regulation changes to strengthen the MSA British Touring Car Championship. The new regulations will come into effect for the first round of the 2003 MSA BTCC season at Mondello Park in April (21 April).

Qualifying sessions at each race meeting will now last 20 minutes compared to 43 minutes last season. Times achieved during the qualifying session will then be used to set the grid for the first race of the meeting, with finishing positions from the first race then deciding the grid for the second race. The safety car laps will be included in the overall race distance and both races will have standing starts. Races one and two count towards the Team Championship.

Another major change to the MSA BTCC regulations will witness a mandatory pit-stop for all BTC Touring Car competitors in both the First and Second Race which will ensure more competitive and tactical racing methods. The First and Second race will also now be of equal length.

A further change is that drivers will not be penalised for engine changes but penalties, by way of docked points, will apply to manufacturers and teams.

Richard West, MSA BTCC Series Director commented: "The amendments to the MSA BTCC regulations will ensure a more exciting season for both the fans and the drivers participating. Everyone involved in the MSA BTCC is looking forward to seeing the new regulations in action."