[WTCC] FIA WTCR 2018: WTCC / TCR Merger?

[NaBUru38]

I'd like to see that Max chap in an Aston Martin... Cygnet? :P

[Tarzaan]

Originally Posted by BobJones

The biggest crowd of the WTCC season, no?

In Villa Real?

A doubt it.

[BobJones]

Originally Posted by NaBUru38

I'm baffled that Audi is willing to race versus Honda, Kia and Hyundai.

VAG's TCR program should be focused on VW and especially Seat.

They can sell the Audi for more, despite it being based on the same platform as the other two and developed by the same people. Fancy brand $$$$.

[helgi]

Stepping down to "Group A1" from something close to "Group B5" - it's a good sign only for amateurs. I'll rank BTCC (A2 of nowadays) higher than this WTCR. Look at Gordon Shedden (OK, multiple champion - but he raced against rather famous names in Dubai) - he almost smashed the opposition driving this cup car for the first time at the track he never raced before. As for amateurs - there're tons of different cups and single-make series. It's not an international level.
It's stepping down in every matter - like Le Mans or Sebring where McQueen almost won outright at the wheel of a 917 monster in early 70's comparing with Dempsey waltzing in GTE-Am. I really do not see any reasons to cheer this standard cars less powerful than some pocket-rockets. Just no reason.

[Bramzel]

Heres a reason: cars on the grid. When you have the options of a full grid, advanced cars and low costs you have to sacrifice one option. Want a full grid at limited budgets? Then your cars will have to be relatively simple. Want state of the art cars at a full grid? Then it won't be cheap.

[Cinghio44]

WTCR simply is better for Business and for us

I really do not miss the short TC1 Era. The races are great and that's what touring cars should be. I think this is the perfect formula to see a great Word Touring car competition. Now it's all in the hands of the FIA...

[Fechna]

People shouldnt forget that there is no real touringcar series worldwide without huge spec parts that is faster then TCR. Btcc isnt faster, V8 Superscars are highly spec, so are Tc2000. DTM is officially no touringcar series.

Maybe people should watch Gt's that need to have more power. And WTCC was fine with slower cars for almost a decade.

[steve nielsen]

the Peugeot looks good

[touring fan01]

Originally Posted by Fechna

People shouldnt forget that there is no real touringcar series worldwide without huge spec parts that is faster then TCR. Btcc isnt faster, V8 Superscars are highly spec, so are Tc2000. DTM is officially no touringcar series.

Maybe people should watch Gt's that need to have more power. And WTCC was fine with slower cars for almost a decade.

BTCC cars are faster than TCR.
if TCR UK happens (but it probably wont) on the same tracks at BTCC cars you will see they are slower. BTCC cars weigh a little less than TCR, have a bit more power and have proper racing suspension (not modified production system).

[S griffin]

I do like the look of the new Peugeot, looks like they are serious about this championship

[Fechna]

Originally Posted by touring fan01

BTCC cars are faster than TCR.
if TCR UK happens (but it probably wont) on the same tracks at BTCC cars you will see they are slower. BTCC cars weigh a little less than TCR, have a bit more power and have proper racing suspension (not modified production system).

Everything I read so far on the toppic lets me think that BTCC cars actually have a relatively poor suspension. In a side by side comparison between a Seat Cup car and the NGTC Civic a couple of years ago the Honda didnt perform very well. If NGTC is faster then TCR, then not by much.

[touring fan01]

Originally Posted by Fechna

Everything I read so far on the toppic lets me think that BTCC cars actually have a relatively poor suspension. In a side by side comparison between a Seat Cup car and the NGTC Civic a couple of years ago the Honda didnt perform very well. If NGTC is faster then TCR, then not by much.

that was in 2014 using the old original GPRM suspension and on a honda tourer (estate). since 2016/17 the cars have all been fully updated with all new RML suspension and subframes etc

[auroan]

NGTC use pushrod suspension with in board horizontal coil over dampers.....similar to open wheel / prototypes, hence the "advanced" comment. Where as TCR uses Mcpherson strut uprights similar to normal road cars.

[Fechna]

Originally Posted by touring fan01

that was in 2014 using the old original GPRM suspension and on a honda tourer (estate). since 2016/17 the cars have all been fully updated with all new RML suspension and subframes etc

Interesting, how much did the laptimes improve?

[touring fan01]

Originally Posted by Fechna

Interesting, how much did the laptimes improve?

hard to tell as the tyres also changed. but all the drivers said the car was much better to set up.

[MissClarrpz]

Originally Posted by touring fan01

BTCC cars are faster than TCR.

Probably. Using Porsche Carrera Cup as a comparison BTCC is 2% quicker but using other series as comparisons makes this difference up to 0.7% slower.

Originally Posted by S griffin

I do like the look of the new Peugeot, looks like they are serious about this championship

The problem is they're delivering the car for April. WTCR starts on April 8th so it won't make it for round 1 (at least not with any testing). There is the old(er) Peugeot 308 and I thought they would give out a 2018 "Update Package" or something for it but surely the new/updated cars won't be ready for the opening couple of rounds

[FIRE]

Why are people so obsessed with laptimes?

[Fechna]

Originally Posted by FIRE

Why are people so obsessed with laptimes?

Yeah, everyone knows whats important is not the length of the laptime... its rather the girth of the tires, the stamina of the engines and the driving technique.

[helgi]

Originally Posted by FIRE

Why are people so obsessed with laptimes?

The faster you go the less time you have for any errors and more professional you are. It's obvious.

[steve_r]

The faster the cars go the quicker the boring WTCC race is over!

Sorry, I'm being mean. I am hoping that the TCR regulations will give this series the shot in the arm it needs. More close on track action and overtaking are definitely required.

[Fechna]

Originally Posted by steve_r

The faster the cars go the quicker the boring WTCC race is over!

Sorry, I'm being mean. I am hoping that the TCR regulations will give this series the shot in the arm it needs. More close on track action and overtaking are definitely required.

AMEN!

[Bramzel]

I must say I'm looking forward to this years season more than I did for the last couple of TC1 seasons combined!

[helgi]

Originally Posted by steve_r

The faster the cars go the quicker the boring WTCC race is over!

Sorry, I'm being mean. I am hoping that the TCR regulations will give this series the shot in the arm it needs. More close on track action and overtaking are definitely required.

So, WTCR stands not only for degradation of constructors', but also for drivers' growth. OK, then. But it's a dead-end.

[S griffin]

Yes, the big problem with TC1, was they had too much downforce, for the detriment of the racing. TCR should be more exciting

[NaBUru38]

So, how many manufacturers will compete at the WTCR?

Audi, Seat, VW and Honda are a guarantee.

How about Alfa Romeo, Peugeot, Opel, Subaru, Hyundai and Kia?