The FIA has launched a new entry level touring car platform that will share technical regulations with rallying, providing a ‘cost-effective’ solution towards the base of the motorsport pyramid.
TC Lite will consist of two tiers – TCL4 and TCL5 – whose cars will be built to the same parameters as existing Rally4 and Rally5 machinery. This could open the door for manufacturers to build one car that that is easily adaptable for both circuit and rallying applications, saving on the need for separate development programmes. Current Rally4 cars include the Peugeot 208, Ford Fiesta, Opel Corsa and Renault Clio.
The main Rally4 and Rally5 regulations will remain unchanged, but an appendix will detail the modifications that can make a car eligible for each stage of TC Lite. The new two-part touring car platform will sit beneath TCR in the global touring car hierarchy. The FIA has stated that adaptations for TC Lite will be ‘kept to a minimum’ for cost control reasons, while competitors will be provided a ‘level playing field’ that has not yet been fully defined. The minimum weight of cars will be adjusted to factor in the removal of specialist rally equipment such as spare wheels, handheld fire extinguishers and other tools.
(FIA)
TC Lite cars will require the use of safety netting around the driver. The co-driver’s seat may be retained or replaced with equivalent ballast. Cars will use slick racing tyres, rather than the treade...