More ETCC news, Alfa, BMW, Honda, Nissan and Volvo info

[JMeissner]

More ETCC news

ETCC 05/11/01

BMW

Since it was decided to introduce the Super Production+ rules the number of starting cars for the 2002 ETCC season grew quickly. BMW has announced that they will come with at least 6 cars, and this does not include privately owned BMW's with update kits bought from BMW.
"We are developing a update-kit for the customers who wants to upgrade their Super Production cars. We have guaranteed that at least 6 BMW will be at the start line. But since there are many more ready Super Production cars we will probably see many more. The 17" wheels in the new rules are no problems and when it comes to the aerodynamic it is only small changes," says Dr.Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport, to stcc.se.

Volvo

It was earlier uncertain if Volvo would come to start in the ETCC 2002 at all.
But we have learned from certain sources that Volvo will come to start
officially with at least one car. Rickard Rydell will most certainly be behind
the wheel, but according to Motoring News Prodrive, who tunes the Volvo S60
cars, ran a test with Rickard Rydell, Alain Menu and Jan Lindblom behind the
wheel.

Rumours has it that the Swedish team Flash Engineering, which ran the STCC
Volvo team this year, will run one two-car team in the ETCC 2002. Team owner
Janne "Flash" Nilsson will of course be behind the wheel, but it has also been
reported that Jan Lindblom could drive the second car.

Nissan

Nissan was representated by RJN Motorsport in the ETCC this year with one car
only. Tommy Rustad made an excellent second half of the season with several
polepositions and race wins. RJN Motorsport is belived to get the contract from
Nissan to run two to four cars officially. It has also been said that Nissan will
switch to the new Primera during the 2002 season, the old Primera will then
only be run by privateer and/or semi official teams.

No drivers has been signed, but to assume that Tommy Rustad would drive one
of the cars isn't too far off. Swedish team Elgh Motorsport, who ran the Nissan
STCC team this year, will most probably enter with a two car team. Rumours
say that Elgh Motorsport tried to get the contract to run one of the
semi-official Volvo teams but got beaten by Flash Engineering. Instead they
will get two updated Super Production Nissan Primeras from RJN Motorsport
for ETCC 2002. Drivers Carl Rosenblad and Henrik Roos, both from Sweden, are
supposed to get behind the wheel.

Alfa Romeo

There hasn't been much said about the Alfa Romeo ETCC programme for ETCC
2002. TouringCarTimes recived inside information earlier this year that Alfa
would run their new Alfa 156 GTA model in the ETCC. But since the Super
Proudction+ rules will be used for 2002 the GTA model will probably not be
seen until 2003 when the new Super 2000 rules will be taken in place.

Instead Alfa will probably run their 147-model which has been run in the ETCC
this year quite succesfully with semi official status. No drivers has been
mentioned, but Larini and Giovanardi are supposed to get new contracts. Alfa
has promised that six cars will be on the grid.

Honda

As written in an earlier article Honda will also be on the grid with their new
model Civic Type-R. Honda has gotten a dispensation from the ETCC
organisation allowing them to use this 2-door model even though the rules
demand four-door cars. But this dispensation demands Honda to switch to the
four-door model Accord in 2003 to the new Super 2000 rules. Honda is only
expected to come with a two-car team this year.

Johan Meissner
johan@meissner.se

[Dan Friel]

This is the championship / regulations to watch..

Just hope the promises are fulfilled.

[Eddie_harasym]

Originally posted by JMeissner

Honda has gotten a dispensation from the ETCC
organisation allowing them to use this 2-door model even though the rules
demand four-door cars. But this dispensation demands Honda to switch to the
four-door model Accord in 2003 to the new Super 2000 rules. Honda is only
expected to come with a two-car team this year.

Johan Meissner
johan@meissner.se

Why don't they just run the 4 door model?

[runnyhunny]

Before we all know it, BMW will have convinced everyone that the Suer Production Plus rules should be used forever, the the 'Super 2000' regulations will be scrapped. Just my theory!

[MaxSport]

I for one am pretty excited about the prospects for the ETCC.

While this whole rules thing has been, and continues to be, somewhat confusing, there should be a good field of cars for ETCC 2002.

It will be interesting to see if indeed the step up to Super 2000 rules actually ever takes place. If it does happen will BMW be willing and ready to compete? Provided all are happy with SP plus, why change it?

Again, I say have SP+ continue in 2003 and on. Just require that all makes supply four doors after the 2002 season.

These rules have great worldwide potential. If the cars are actually like '94 BTCC cars, I think it be the start of a great new era. The FIA just need to keep it from getting out of hand this time.

Indycars and Sportscars are my business. I feel I have a good grasp of what these forms of the sport should do to become better.
Touring Cars are what I enjoy watching and following. So the above is just the uninformed opinion of a fan!

KM

[JMeissner]

I think the best thing is to swich for Super 2000 in 2003. In my view I wouldnt have minded to see that ETCC sticks with Super Production+. But if they do, they will end up with a bounch of very angry manufacturers. Alfa and Volvo (Nissan also perhaps) already have completed Super 2000 cars with quite some money put on. And if ETCC and FIA decides to stick with Super Production+ "just" because BMW wants them to, I dont think we'll see them around for long...

[MaxSport]

Johan-

The reason for my disclaimer in the above post was because I don't know things like how much has been spent on R&D already for the Super 2000 cars. Heck, I don't even know the the difference in terms of spec or cost between SP+ and Super 2000. Can you tell us, Johan?

Also, what is the difference in the Super 2000 and BTCC rules???

As you know Johan, I am trying to get more familiar with the inside details of touringcar racing so that I can understand it better and perhaps bring some sponsorship to the area of the sport I enjoy most.

The factory involvement in ETCC is what I find most interesting and encouraging. Beyond whatever the manufacturer might provide to your team directly are credibility and leverage with sponsors that can come with factory support.

Thank you for any help in understanding the bigger picture in the ETCC, Johan.

Kurt Maxwell
MaxSport
Indianapolis,IN

[JMeissner]

Well, the difference between the BTCC rules and Super 2000 is quite big. But take the Super Production+ rules and the BTCC rules, well, they're almost identical if I have understood the thing correct. "Only" some common parts and aerodynamic features that separates them.

But back to the Super 2000 rules. Super 2000 is, correct me if anyone know better, what I have understood Super Production+ (or BTCC rules I you want it) with a Super Touring engine, bigger wheels, more freedom in development of different parts, sequential gerbox, etc, etc. More costly in other words, but also a bit more spectacular, faster, etc. Do you get the picture?

Btw Max, have you recived my mail yet? I replyed some time ago now since you mailed me.