FIA introduces rally-based TC Lite Touring Car feeder classes
The FIA wants to merge the entry points for rallying and touring car racing, with a new set of regulations that are a development of existing Rally4 and Rally5 rulesets that incorporate the potential for circuit specs. In short, one car to do it all.
The new touring car categories based on these updated Rally4 and Rally5 specs are being labelled together as TC Lite, with TCL4 and TCL5 existing within. These will sit below the existing TCR formula in a kind of pyramid, similar to how Rally5 and Rally4 sit below Rally3, Rally2, and top-flight Rally1 WRC cars.
The plan is to allow Rally4 and Rally5 cars to be able to participate in pure tarmac circuit racing with minimal modifications necessary. On the flip side, what changes are needed won’t be ‘hard’ affecting the car’s eligibility for participation in rally events after the fact.
Both classes will use a sequential gearbox and will primarily be separated by engine size and power. TCL4 will operate to a 5.1kg/bhp power to weight ratio from a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine, or a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine. TCL5 meanwhile, will operate to a 6.0kg/bhp power-to-weight ratio, from a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine or 1.3-litre turbocharged engine.
In terms of conversion from rally to road spec, the spare wheel is removed, alongside the handheld fire extinguisher. The co-driver’s seat can be kept or removed, though if it is removed, ballast must be added. The same is the case for the removed extinguisher and spare wheel. Full racing slicks are added, along with FIA-homologated nets either side of the driver, while the plumbed-in fire extinguisher system is to be maintained.
The appendix to the regulations is set to be validated by the FIA World Motor Sport Council before the end of the year and be put into practice for the 2025 season.
“Introducing a pyramid structure to touring car racing is something that has been our aim for quite a while,” said Alan Now, FIA Touring Car Commission President.
"TCR is a proven customer racing platform… however, we have been missing an accessible entry-level platform. The introduction of the TC Lite ruleset fills that gap.
“Having the very same cars in rallying and touring car racing has plenty of benefits – it is cost-effective, sustainable, provides the competitors with a level playing field, and creates opportunities for more available seat time. At the same time, the manufacturers and their customer racing programmes will be able to grow their business as the market of these cars will naturally broaden.”
FIA Road Sport Director Andrew Whitley added, “this is a bit like in the group N days when you would sometimes see the same front-wheel-drive cars taking part in different disciplines.
“This is also good news for drivers at the early stages of their careers who, to develop their skills, look for as much time behind the wheel as possible. Having one car eligible for different types of events offers exactly that.”
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