Compensation weight : how it works

The Compensation Weight system (art. 79 of the Sporting Regulations) that was introduced in 2009 will be determining the running weight of the WTCC cars again, on the basis of lap time calculation.

The best lap times of the two fastest cars of each model in qualifying and the two best lap times of the two fastest cars of each model in both races are averaged. The calculation is based on a three event rolling average, except it is applied for the first time after the first two events.

For example, the results of Events 2, 3 and 4 determines the compensation weight for Event 5.

All the cars run in the first two events of the season on the minimum weight fixed by Appendix 1 of the Sporting Regulations:

— BMW 320si: 1155kg
— Chevrolet Cruze: 1150kg
— Chevrolet Lacetti: 1140kg (as per the –10kg waiver granted by the Touring Car Committee)
— SEAT León TDI: 1170kg
— SEAT León TFSI: 1150kg

The maximum compensation weight is 60 kg and is applied between a maximum of +40 kg to a minimum of –20 kg. When a model’s average is within the 0.3-second threshold in relation to the fastest model, no action is taken.

If a model is slower than the fastest model by more than 0.3s, 10 kg are deducted from the maximum compensation weight for every complete 0.1s more than the +0.3s threshold, up to a maximum of 60 kg.

When a model with less than 60 kg of compensation weight is within 0.3s of the fastest (reference) model, 10 kg are added to the current compensation weight per complete 0.1s within the 0.3s threshold.

The fastest (reference) model always carries the maximum compensation weight on board.