Weights in the British Rally X Series

[M.Lowe]

As the turbo cars run a weight penalty, whats the case of the 6r4's and cars with 6R4 engines like Eammon McAleenan's Peugeot 306R4?

[Cryos]

Good Question...

Im not sure that the weight penalty is specific to turbo cars, i thought it was if an car ran over an certain amount of horse power it enherited an weight gain.

Must research that one..

[Stevie A]

From what i can gather, cars have a choice of running FIA weight limits (1120kg i think) and a 45mm turbo restrictor or accept a 100kg ballast and run unrestricted.

Regarding normally aspirated cars, they run at FIA weight limits as far as i know.

This also explains the new found competitiveness of Lawrence Gibson this season. It all means that both Gibson and Gollop (with the restrictor) are running pretty much the same power (circa 550bhp) and weight (1120kg). In previous years, Gibson has had to run with considerably less power than the rest of the field and with the same weight! The advantage that the modern cars have however is some seriously trick transmission systems which aren't available for the older machines.

Most other drivers are running about + 100-250 bhp but with 100kgs more weight. If you look at the performances so far this season, there's not much in it and seems like a fairly good balance. It's just ironic that the new rules were brought in to try and make the old group B cars uncompetitive, yet you could say it's worked in the opposite direction.

Next year there is no option, all cars run turbo restrictors and FIA weight limits, this year is purely transitional. The only thing i'm not clear is if whether or not the regulations will explicitly ban group B cars, or if the 6R4 and RS200 (with restrictor) will still be allowed.