Technical Regulations 23/05/2002 Article 257 - Technical Regulations for Series Grand Touring Cars (N-GT) SUMMARY ARTICLE 1 : DEFINITIONS 1.1 Series Grand Touring car 1.2 Automobile 1.3 Land vehicle 1.4 Main structure 1.5 Bodywork 1.6 Original 1.7 Event 1.8 Weight 1.9 Racing weight 1.10 Wheel 1.11 Door 1.12 Cockpit 1.13 Supercharging 1.14 Sprung suspension 1.15 Active suspension 1.16 Mechanical components 1.17 Telemetry 1.18 Semi-automatic gearbox 1.19 Brake calipers 1.20 Location 1.21 Position 1.22 Orientation ARTICLE 2 : REGULATIONS 2.1 Role of the FIA 2.2 Permitted modifications 2.3 Vehicle type eligibility 2.4 Eligible cars 2.5 Regulation and eligibility amendments 2.6 Compliance with the regulations 2.7 Measurements 2.8 Electronic system 2.9 Material 2.10 Composite chassis ARTICLE 3 : BODYWORK AND EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS 3.1 Dimensions 3.2 Overhangs and wheelbase 3.3 Doors 3.4 Windscreen and windows 3.5 Bodywork 3.6 Bodywork and chassis modifications ARTICLE 4 : WEIGHT 4.1 Minimum weight 4.2 Ballast 4.3 Adding during the race 4.4 Liquids ARTICLE 5 : ENGINE 5.1 Type and position of engine 5.2 Engine modifications 5.3 Normally aspirated engines 5.4 Supercharged engines 5.5 Temperature of the charge 5.6 Cooling 5.7 Exhaust 5.8 Telemetry ARTICLE 6 : FUEL PIPING, PUMPS AND TANKS 6.1 Fuel tanks 6.2 Fittings and piping 6.3 Fuel tank fillers 6.4 Refuelling 6.5 Fuel capacity ARTICLE 7 : LUBRICATION SYSTEM 7.1 Oil tanks 7.2 Catch tank ARTICLE 8 : ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT 8.1 Battery 8.2 Windscreen wiper 8.3 Starting 8.4 Lighting equipment ARTICLE 9 : TRANSMISSION 9.1 Transmission to the wheels 9.2 Reverse gear ARTICLE 10 : SUSPENSION AND STEERING 10.1 Sprung suspension 10.2 Suspension type and mounting 10.3 Chromium plating 10.4 Suspension members 10.5 Steering 10.6 Power steering 10.7 Four-wheel steering ARTICLE 11 : BRAKES 11.1 Separate circuits 11.2 Brake discs 11.3 Anti-lock braking and power braking 11.4 Brake calipers ARTICLE 12 : WHEELS AND TYRES 12.1 Dimensions 12.2 Wheel visibility 12.3 Wheel material 12.4 Number of wheels 12.5 Wheel attachment 12.6 Pneumatic jacks 12.7 Pressure control valves ARTICLE 13 : COCKPIT 13.1 Equipment in the cockpit 13.2 Equipment permitted in the cockpit 13.3 Cockpit exit time ARTICLE 14 : SAFETY EQUIPMENT 14.1 Fire extinguishers 14.2 Safety belts 14.3 Rear view mirrors 14.4 Seat and headrest 14.5 Master switch 14.6 Towing eye ARTICLE 15 : SAFETY STRUCTURES 15.1 Rollover structures 15.2 Firewall and floor ARTICLE 16 : FUEL 16.1 Fuel specification 16.2 Air ARTICLE 17 : FINAL TEXT ARTICLE 1 : DEFINITIONS 1.1 Series Grand Touring Car (N-GT) An open or closed automobile which has no more than one door on each side and a minimum of two seats situated one on each side of the longitudinal centre line of the car; these two seats must be crossed by the same transversal plane. This car must be adapted for racing on circuits or closed courses. 1.2 Automobile A land vehicle running on at least four non-aligned complete wheels, of which at least two are used for steering and at least two for propulsion. 1.3 Land vehicle A locomotive device, propelled by its own means, moving by constantly taking real support on the earth's surface, and of which the propulsion and steering are under the control of a driver aboard the vehicle. 1.4 Main structure Entirely sprung part of the structure of the vehicle, to which all the suspension and/or spring loads are transmitted, extending longitudinally from the foremost suspension mounting point on the chassis to the rearmost suspension mounting point on the chassis. 1.5 Bodywork All entirely sprung parts of the car in contact with the external air stream, except the parts definitely associated with the mechanical functioning of the engine, transmission and running gear. Any air intake shall be considered to be part of the bodywork. 1.6 Original As fitted to the FIA-homologated car. 1.7 Event An event shall consist of official practice and the race. 1.8 Weight Is the weight of the car without the driver at any time during the event. 1.9 Racing weight Is the weight of the car in running order with the driver aboard and the fuel tank full. 1.10 Wheel Wheel: Flange and rim. Complete wheel: Flange, rim and tyre. 1.11 Door That part of the bodywork that opens to give access to the driver and passenger compartments. 1.12 Cockpit The volume of the main structure which is reserved for the occupants. Its limits are defined by the roof, the floor, the doors, the lateral parts, the glazed parts and the front and rear bulkheads. 1.13 Supercharging Increasing the weight of the charge of the fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber (over the weight induced by normal atmospheric pressure, ram effect and dynamic effects in the intake and/or exhaust system) by any means whatsoever. The injection of fuel under pressure is not considered to be supercharging. 1.14 Sprung suspension The means whereby all complete wheels are suspended from the body/chassis unit by a spring medium. 1.15 Active suspension Any system which allows control of the flexibility of any part of the suspension or of the trim height when the car is moving. 1.16 Mechanical components All those necessary for the propulsion, suspension, steering and braking, as well as all accessories, whether moving or not, which are necessary for their normal working. 1.17 Telemetry The transmission of data between a moving car and anyone connected with the entry of that car. 1.18 Semi-automatic gearbox One which, when the driver calls for a gear change, takes over the control of one or more of the engine, clutch and gear selectors momentarily to enable the gear to be engaged. 1.19 Brake calipers All parts of the braking system outside the survival cell, other than brake discs, brake pads, caliper pistons, brake hoses, master cylinder and fittings, which are stressed when subjected to the braking pressure. 1.20 Location A site defined relative to the original : centre line of the car, axles centre (middle of the wheelbase on the centre line), cockpit, luggage compartment and engine compartment. Location within the engine compartment is a site defined relative to the crank case and cylinder head(s). 1.21 Position The site defined by dimensions from the original vehicle data, e.g. axles centre and centre line of the car. 1.22 Orientation Is the relationship of the component to the longitudinal and transversal axes of the vehicle. If the component is turned 180°, this will be regarded as a change in orientation. ARTICLE 2 : REGULATIONS 2.1 Role of the FIA The following technical regulations for Series Grand Touring Cars are issued by the FIA. 2.2 Permitted modifications All modifications not allowed by these regulations are expressly forbidden. 2.3 Vehicle type eligibility Vehicles will be eligible in the Series Grand Touring class (NGT). For a vehicle to be eligible in the Series Grand Touring class, it must be a car homologated by the FIA or a car from the list of acceptable cars drawn up by the FIA. 2.4 Eligible cars The lists of homologated cars and acceptable cars will be published by the FIA. 2.5 Regulation and eligibility amendments Each year in October at the latest the FIA will publish changes made to these regulations. All such changes will take effect on the second 1st of January following their publication. Changes for safety reasons may be made without notice. Changes covered by Articles 4.1.2, 5.3.4, 5.4.5 and 6.5.2 will be made in accordance with the period of notice specified in the relevant Sporting Regulations, save in circumstances deemed to be exceptional by the governing body of the relevant Championship. 2.6 Compliance with the regulations It is the duty of each competitor to satisfy the Scrutineers and the Stewards of the Meeting that his car complies with these regulations in their entirety at all times during an event. A car, the construction of which is deemed to be dangerous, may be excluded by the Stewards of the meeting. 2.7 Measurements All measurements must be made while the car is stationary on a flat horizontal surface or as provided in the Sporting Regulations of the relevant Championship. 2.8 Electronic system Any automatic or electronic chassis control system or function is forbidden even if it is fitted on the original car. This includes anti-lock braking, traction control, damper, suspension or ride height adjustment, power braking, four-wheel steering, movable ballast. Semi-automatic or automatic gearboxes, power-driven clutches with electronic or pneumatic control are forbidden unless they are fitted on the series vehicle homologated by the FIA or fromthe list of acceptable cars drawn up by the FIA. In this case, the manufacturer must provide the FIA with the system for checking the whole control system of the series gearbox and/or the series clutch. Differentials with electronic, pneumatic or hydraulic slip control are forbidden. Closed-loop electronically controlled systems are prohibited. A simple open-loop electrical switch activated by the driver acting on a system is not considered to be an electronic control. Power steering may be employed as long as it is a simple system, without programmable control. 2.9 Material Titanium is not permitted unless used in the original car or with explicit authorisation by the current regulations. The use of a material which has a specific yield modulus greater than 40 GPa/g/cm3 is forbidden for the making of all parts that are free or homologated as an Option Variant. This restriction does not concern the parts homologated with the standard vehicle. The use of magnesium sheet less than 3 mm thick is forbidden. 2.10 Composite chassis Composite chassis are forbidden. ARTICLE 3 : BODYWORK AND EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS 3.1 Dimensions All bodywork dimensions and shape must remain original with the exception of alterations permitted under Article 3.6. 3.2 Overhangs and wheelbase The front and rear overhangs as well as the wheelbase must remain original. 3.3 Doors The dimensions and functions of the doors must remain original. 3.4 Windscreen and windows A windscreen made of one piece of laminated glass (glass/plastic/glass) homologated for road use is compulsory. In order to protect the windscreen, the addition of a translucent film on its external face is permitted. The side and rear windows may be replaced with polycarbonate. Additional fastenings may be used. Cockpit ventilation : A scoop may be fitted to each door window provided it complies with the following points : - it must not exceed the perimeter of the window, must have a maximum height of 150 mm and must not protrude more than 50 mm over the window's surface. - it must be made from the same material as the window or with translucent polycarbonate if the window is made from glass, and must have the possibility of being closed by a shutter made from the same material as the window. - it must not obstruct the driver's rearward view. Air ducts fed by the scoops are authorised inside the cockpit on condition that they alter neither the driver's visibility nor the driver's safety. Door windows may be replaced with nets with characteristics in accordance with article 253-11. However, the fixing of the nets to the safety rollcage is not mandatory. Each rear side window may be partly opened to a maximum of 30 mm at its rear extremity, or may have a circular opening with a maximum diameter of 50 mm. 3.5 Bodywork 3.5.1) The bottom part of the car cannot be modified and must remain identical to that of the original car (including the tunnels if fitted on the original car), with the exception of openings the sole function of which is the cooling of mechanical parts and the total area of which must not exceed 360 cm2. 3.5.2) With the exception of the lower half of the complete wheels, the bodywork must cover all mechanical components in vertical projection seen from above. 3.5.3) All parts of the bodywork, including any part having an aerodynamic influence, must be rigidly secured to the entirely sprung part of the car (chassis/body unit), must not have any degree of freedom, must be securely fixed and remain immobile in relation to this part while the car is in motion. 3.5.4) Any device or construction that is designed to bridge the gap between the sprung part of the car and the ground is prohibited under all circumstances. 3.5.5) Material used for the bonnet and boot lids, bumpers, doors and detachable wings is free, but where a panel is replaced, it must be attached in a way which is at least as strong as the original method. There must be at least two safety fasteners securing bonnet/boot/engine covers, both of which are clearly indicated by red (or contrasting colour) arrows. It must be possible to remove or open the bonnet and boot without the use of tools. 3.5.6) The cockpit opening of open cars must be symmetrical when viewed in plan or left/right elevation. The passenger area must not be covered. 3.5.7) All bodywork joints in the vicinity of the refuelling connections must be designed in such a way as to prevent any leakage of fuel into the engine compartment and/or cockpit during refuelling. 3.5.8) No part of the car must touch the ground when the car is resting on the two wheels (without the tyres) on the same side. This test will be carried out on a flat surface, in race trim, with the driver on board. 3.5.9) Registration plates : Registration plate mountings may be dismounted, but this must not lead to the removal of parts of the bodywork or give rise to additional air intakes except for those permitted by articles 257.3.6.3 and 257.3.6.6. 3.6 Bodywork and chassis modifications 3.6.1) Strengthening of the chassis and bodywork is allowed provided that the material used follows the original shape and is in direct contact with it. Accessory supports that are no longer used may be removed. Furthermore, for each axle, only one reinforcement bar may be fitted on the suspension mounting points to the bodyshell, on each side of the car's longitudinal axis. 3.6.2) A rear wing may be mounted. The rear wing is made up of the following elements : Wing, end plates, vertical supports, and must comply with the following criteria : - It may replace an existing wing but not be added to it. - its overall width must not exceed 90 % of the overall width of the car. - it must be 50 mm forward of the rearmost point of the bodywork. - its highest point must be situated 100 mm lower than the highest point of the roof of the car. If the original car has an air inlet on the roof, this inlet will not be considered for determining the highest point of the roof. • Wing : - it is made from a maximum of two elements (main wing and angle bracket). - an angle bracket ("L" shaped section of 10 x 20 maximum dimensions) may be added on the trailing edge of the main wing over all or part of its length, but must not protrude more than 10 mm beyond the surface of the main wing. It must be secured through a mechanical assembly (screw/nut or rivet). - it must be contained within a parallelogram of 450 x 150 mm with a wing section chord of a maximum of 300 mm. • End plates and vertical supports : - the maximum authorised dimensions for the end plates are 150 mm in height, 450 mm in length. - vertical supports must not exceed 520 mm in length, measured horizontally. - the surfaces of vertical supports and end plates must be flat and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the car. - the leading edges of the vertical supports and end plates must be rounded with a constant radius and the trailing edges may be bevelled along a 20 mm maximum length. If the original rear wing is fitted, it must comply with the above points. In the case of an open car, all the above points must be complied with, the height of the rear wing being measured relative to the highest point of the windscreen surround. 3.6.3) The shapes of the original bumpers must be retained. The part of the bodywork situated below the horizontal plane of the front wheel axis and forward of the complete front wheels, may be modified through cutting and drilling in order to improve the cooling of mechanical parts. The air inlets obtained in this way must have a wire mesh. It is possible to add an aerodynamic device, the characteristics of which are as follows : - its maximum height must be 20 mm relative to the lowest point of the original bodywork, situated in the area described above -it must not increase the overhang and the perimeter by more than 80 mm relative to the original ones - its width complies with article 3.6.4 below It is possible to use the front bumper homologated as a VO. In this case, the additional aerodynamic device must be the one homologated as a VO. 3.6.4) The width of the bodywork across the front and rear wheel arches may be increased by a maximum of 100 mm. In all cases, the total width of the car modified in this way must not exceed 2000 mm. Following these modifications, the bodywork must cover the upper halves of the wheels, keeping apparently the same shapes as the original bodywork, and must not generate any downforce. Any increasing of the width is forbidden for a car whose original width is over or equal to 2000 mm. Internal wheel arches may be modified to accommodate larger wheels but must be at least as strong as the original, and must preserve the structural integrity of the car. The fallen edges of the wheel arches may be cut in order to accommodate larger wheels. 3.6.5) Any parts following the external contour of the bodywork and less than 25 mm high will be considered as decorative strips and may be removed. 3.6.6) Air inlets : They must - have a single, precise function: cooling, ventilation. - not protrude beyond the outline of the car when viewed from above. - not extend beyond the surface of the bodywork. The modification of an original air inlet is permitted on condition that its original perimeter is included in that of the new air inlet thus obtained. Whatever the air inlets, the only mechanical parts visible through them are those that are visible on the series vehicle. 3.6.7) Air outlets : Bodywork may be modified to incorporate louvres above or on the sides of the engine and coolers compartments, for the sole purpose of extracting heat. They must neither protrude over the original bodywork, nor alter the original external appearance, nor permit a mechanical part to be visible from above or from the side. 3.6.8) Modifications required to fit additional lighting supports and refuelling connectors are permitted. 3.6.9) The original car must have one or two volumes for luggage's, of a minimum total volume of 150 dm3. The boot may consist of the space located behind the front seats in their rearmost position and up to the base of the rear window. In all cases, the remaining volume of the cockpit must comply with the Group B capacity and visibility dimensions. ARTICLE 4 : WEIGHT 4.1 Minimum weight 4.1.1) The weight of the car must not be less than 1100 kg (see Appendices 1 and 2). 4.1.2) The right is reserved, by the Sporting Authority of the relevant Championship, to adjust the weight of any car to maximise equality of performance. 4.2 Ballast Ballast must be secured in the cockpit, such that tools are required for its removal and so as to allow the fixing of seals by the scrutineers. Any movable ballast system when the car is in motion is forbidden. 4.3 Adding during the race The adding to the car during the race of any solid material whatsoever or the replacement during the race of any part of the car with another which is materially heavier is forbidden. 4.4 Liquids The weight may be checked at any time during the event with the quantity of liquids remaining in the tanks except after the race where the car will may be emptied of all the fuel before weighing. ARTICLE 5 : ENGINE 5.1 Type and position of engine The make and type of engine used must remain original. Its location, position and orientation must remain original, but replacing the original mountings to the chassis is allowed. 5.2 Engine modifications 5.2.1) The following elements must remain original : - cylinder block - valve angles - number and location of camshafts - fixations of the crankshaft to the cylinder block - firing order The addition of material to the block is not permitted. However, it is permitted to sleeve a block that originally is not fitted with sleeves, by welding if necessary. In this case, the original bore must be retained. The following elements may be modified by machining but the original part must always be identified : - crankshaft - connecting rods -cylinder head(s) The addition of material to the cylinder heads is not permitted but it is permitted to modify or close the lubrication holes in these and use "helicoils". The following elements are free : - belts and pulleys - camshafts - valves and their control system - piston - sleeves, but the original bore must be retained - cylinder head gasket - flywheel, but it must be a single piece flywheel made from steel - injection and firing systems - intake manifold 5.2.2) Variable valve timing is permitted only if it is originally fitted. It may be neutralised but not modified. 5.2.3) Variable intake systems are permitted only if they are originally fitted. They may be neutralised but not modified. 5.2.4) The use of magnesium part is forbidden unless it is used in the original engine. 5.2.5) The use of any ceramic or ceramic-coated component is forbidden unless used in the original engine. 5.2.6) The use of carbon or composite materials is restricted to clutches and non-stressed covers or ducts. 5.2.7) Only a direct mechanical linkage between the throttle pedal and the engine is permitted. If the original car is fitted with a system without a mechanical linkage, this system may be retained but not modified. If a manufacturer intends to use any of the systems listed above in 5.2.2 - 5.2.7, they must appear on the homologation form. 5.3 Normally aspirated engines 5.3.1) The engine air intake system must be fitted with one or two air restrictors 3 mm long with maximum diameters set out in Appendix 1. 5.3.2) All the air feeding the engine must pass through these restrictors, which must be made of metal or metal alloy. 5.3.3) The intake system is defined by the assembly including the restrictor(s) and the manifold up to the intake ports on the cylinder head(s). It must comply with the following points : - The transversal distance between the axes of the control diameters of the restrictors must not be greater than 1000 mm. - Its internal total volume, measured from the control diameter of the restrictor(s) to the intake ports on the cylinder head(s), must not be greater than 50 dm3. - The longitudinal distance from the control diameter of the restrictor(s) to the centreline of the first cylinder must not be greater than 600 mm. 5.3.4) The right is reserved, by the Sporting Authority of the relevant Championship, to adjust the size of these air restrictors to maximise equality of performance. 5.4 Supercharged engines The maximum capacity of supercharged engines is 4000 cm3. 5.4.1) Turbochargers may only be used if fitted to the road car homologated by the FIA or from the list of acceptable cars drawn up by the FIA. With the exception of exchangers and pipes between the supercharging device, the intercooler and the manifold, the whole original supercharging system must be retained and not modified. 5.4.2) The engine air intake system must be fitted with one or two air restrictors 3 mm long with maximum diameters set out in Appendix 2. 5.4.3) All restrictors must be placed no further than 50 mm from the forward face of the compressor wheel blades. 5.4.4) All the air feeding the engine must pass through these restrictors, which must be made of metal or metal alloy. 5.4.5) The right is reserved, by the Sporting Authority of the relevant Championship, to adjust the size of these air restrictors to maximise equality of performance. 5.4.6) Supercharged cars must not be equipped with any device which allows the boost pressure, or the electronic management system controlling the boost pressure, to be adjusted while the car is in motion. 5.4.7) Variable diameter inlets and adjustable internal vanes on turbochargers are forbidden. If the original car is fitted with such a system, this system must be neutralised or dismounted. 5.5 Temperature of the charge 5.5.1) Intercoolers may be replaced but their number, their types, their locations and their positions must remain original. However, any modifications carried out to accommodate a different intercooler must not alter the structural integrity of the car and the bodywork. Apart from intercoolers, any device, system, procedure, construction or design the purpose and/or effect of which is any decrease whatsoever of the temperature of the intake air and/or of the charge (air and/or fuel) of the engine is forbidden. The pipes between the supercharging device, the intercooler and the manifold are free, but their only function must be to channel the intake air. The pipes for channelling air to the exchangers are free, but they must be made from fire-resistant, fibreglass based composite material. 5.5.2) Internal and/or external spraying or injection of water or any substance whatsoever is forbidden (other than fuel for the normal purpose of combustion in the engine). 5.6 Cooling The method of cooling must be retained. Water radiators may be replaced but their number and location must remain original. In addition, their positions may be modified inside the volumes of the original radiators, defined by the homologation form of the car. However, any modifications carried out to accommodate a different radiator must not alter the structural integrity of the car and the bodywork. The pipes for channelling air to the radiators are free but must be made from fire-resistant, fibreglass based composite material. 5.7 Exhaust Provided the regulations in Articles 5.7.1, 5.7.2, 5.7.3 and 5.7.4 are complied with, the exhaust system is free. 5.7.1) The exhaust system should incorporate one or more homologated catalytic converters, which should be functioning at all times and through which all exhaust gases should pass. 5.7.2) The noise generated by the car is not to exceed 110 dB (A) at 3800 rpm, or at three quarter maximum revs if less. This will be measured at a distance of 0.5 m and at a 45 degree angle to the point of exit of the exhaust. All measures which are taken to ensure that the maximum noise limits are not exceeded must be permanent in nature, and must not be removed by the exhaust gas pressure. 5.7.3) The orifices of the exhaust pipes must be placed at a maximum of 450 mm and a minimum of 100 mm from the ground. The exit of the exhaust pipe must be situated within the perimeter of the car and less than 100 mm from this perimeter, and aft of the vertical plane passing through the centre of the wheelbase. Moreover, adequate protection must be provided in order to prevent heated pipes from causing burns. The exhaust system must not be provisional. Exhaust gas may only exit at the end of the system. Parts of the chassis must not be used to evacuate exhaust gases. 5.7.4) The underbody and bulkheads must not be modified for the installation of the exhaust system. The exhaust system must be adequately isolated from the driver compartment. 5.8 Telemetry The use of telemetry is forbidden. ARTICLE 6 : FUEL PIPING, PUMPS AND TANKS Provided the regulations in Articles 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 are complied with, the fuel system is free. 6.1 Fuel tanks 6.1.1) All fuel tanks must be placed in the luggage compartment or in the original location and must be separated from the driver and the engine compartment by a firewall. The tank must be surrounded by a crushable structure at least 10 mm thick. 6.1.2) All fuel tanks must be rubber bladders conforming to or exceeding the specifications of FIA/FT3 or FIA/FT3 1999. 6.1.3) All rubber bladders must be made by manufacturers homologated by the FIA. 6.1.4) All rubber bladders shall have a printed code indicating the name of the manufacturer, the specifications to which the tank has been manufactured and the date of manufacture. 6.1.5) No rubber bladder shall be used more than 5 years after the date of manufacture, unless inspected and recertified by the manufacturer for a period of up to another 2 years. 6.2 Fittings and piping 6.2.1) All fittings which constitute the walls of the tank (including air vents, inlets, outlets, tank fillers, inter-tank connectors and access openings) must be metal or composite fittings bonded into the fuel tank. 6.2.2) All fuel lines between the fuel tank and the engine must have a self-sealing breakaway valve. This valve must separate at less than 50 % of the load required to break the fuel line fitting or to pull it out of the fuel tank. 6.2.3) No lines containing fuel, cooling water or lubricating oil may pass through the cockpit. In a 2-volume car, the air vent(s) and their valves may pass through the cockpit provided that they are made from aviation type material and do not have any connections, other than to the (tank/roof) bulkheads. The vent and filler spouts may pass through the cockpit as close to the walls as possible. Their pipes must be made from metal and their connectors from material identical to that used for the walls of the tank. They must be isolated from the cockpit by means of a leakproof protection. 6.2.4) All lines must be fitted in such a way that any leakage cannot result in accumulation of fluid in the cockpit. 6.2.5) When flexible, all lines must have threaded connectors and an outer braid which is resistant to abrasion and flame. 6.2.6) All fuel and lubricating oil lines must have a minimum burst pressure of 41 bar at the maximum operating temperature of 135°C. 6.2.7) All hydraulic fluid lines which are not subjected to abrupt changes in pressure, with the exception of lines under gravity head, must have a minimum burst pressure of 41 bar at the maximum operating temperature of 204°C when used with steel connectors and 135°C when used with aluminium connectors. 6.2.8) All hydraulic fluid lines subjected to abrupt changes in pressure must have a minimum burst pressure of 70 bar at the maximum operating temperature of 204°C. 6.2.9) No hydraulic fluid lines may have removable connectors inside the cockpit. 6.2.10) The vent lines must be fitted with a gravity-activated roll-over valve. All the fuel pumps must operate only when the engine is running, except during the starting process. 6.2.11) The air ducts must be made from a non-flammable material. 6.3 Fuel tank fillers 6.3.1) All cars must be fitted with fuel tank fillers and vents which must be combined or single units, installed or not on both sides of the car (in accordance with drawing 252-5; the interior diameter D must not exceed 50 mm). Both fillers and air vents must be equipped with leakproof dry break couplings complying with the dead man principle and therefore not incorporating any retaining device when in an open position. 6.3.2) The tank fillers and vent holes must not protrude beyond the bodywork. They may be situated in the rear windows; if so they must be separated from the driver and engine compartments by a firewall. 6.3.3) The tank fillers, vent holes, vents and breathers must be placed where they would not be vulnerable in the event of an accident. 6.3.4) The fuel cell ventilation system must include the following elements : - a gravity activated rollo-ver valve - a float chamber ventilation valve - a blow-off valve with a maximum over pressure of 200 mbar, working when the float chamber ventilation valve is closed. 6.3.5) All cars must be fitted with a self-sealing connector which can be used by the scrutineers to obtain samples of the fuel feeding the engine. This connector must be of the type approved by the FIA and must be fitted immediately before the injectors. 6.4 Refuelling during the race 6.4.1) Refuelling the car by any other means than gravity, with a maximum height of 2 metres above the track where the refuelling takes place, is forbidden throughout the event. 6.4.2) During the race, only one autonomous supply tank complying with drawing 252-7 must be used per car. This tank must have a simple cylindrical internal shape and must not have any additional internal parts. For safety reasons, this tank must be fixed, through a tower, onto a trolley with the following characteristics : - all the tower components must be mechanically assembled without any degree of freedom in relation to the trolley. - the base of the trolley must have a surface area of at least 2 m2 and must be made with a case fitted on 4 self-braking castors, ballasted with a weight greater than that of the tank filled with fuel. A system for weighing the fuel may be applied through placing a weighing plate underneath the tank, provided that the characteristics set out above are respected. A member for supporting the refuelling lines and air hoses may be attached to the trolley : - it must be independent of the tank and of the tower. - it is recommended that this member be allowed a degree of freedom in relation to the trolley (rotation following a vertical axis). - it must not exceed 4 m in length and must allow a free passage of a height of 2 m over its entire length, including the accessories. - an identification plate bearing the race number of the competing car must be fixed to its end. A flow restrictor with the following dimensions: - thickness: 2 mm - maximum internal diameter: 33 mm must be placed at the exit of the refuelling tank (see drawing 258-4). 6.4.3) Above the tank there must be an air vent system approved by the FIA. 6.4.4) The refuelling pipe, minimum length 250 cm, must be provided with a leakproof coupling to fit the filler mounted on the car, and during refuelling the outlet of the air vent must be connected with an appropriate coupling of the same diameter to the supply tank. 6.4.5) Before refuelling commences, the car and all metal parts of the refuelling system from the coupling to the supply tank and its rack must be connected electrically to earth by a manual contactor having no other function. 6.4.6) A 90° cut-off valve, situated on the outlet of the supply tank and controlling the fuel flow, must be manned at all times during refuelling. A self-closing valve with an internal diameter of 38 mm must be fixed under the supply tank according to drawing 252-7. 6.4.7) All hoses and fittings from the supply tank to the car and back must have a maximum inside diameter of 1.5". 6.4.8) During practice, the standard supply tank or an unpressurised container not exceeding 25 litres capacity which is vented to air and has a leakproof coupling connecting it to the tank filler on the car can be used. 6.4.9) If a visible level is fitted to the tank, it must be fitted with isolating valves as close as possible to the tank. 6.4.10) The storing of fuel on board the car at a temperature less than 10°C below the ambient temperature is forbidden. The use of a specific device, whether on board the car or not, to reduce the temperature of the fuel below the ambient temperature is forbidden. 6.5 Fuel capacity 6.5.1) The maximum amount of fuel which may be carried on board is 100 litres. Any device, system, procedure, construction or design, the purpose and/or effect of which is to increase in any way whatsoever, even temporarily, the total fuel storage capacity beyond the maximum of 100 litres, is forbidden. 6.5.2) The right is reserved, by the Sporting Authority of the relevant Championship, to adjust the size of the fuel tank to maximise equality of performance. ARTICLE 7 : LUBRICATION SYSTEM Provided the regulations in this Article are complied with, the lubrication system is free. 7.1 Oil tanks 7.1.1) If the oil tanks are not retained in the original position, they must be surrounded by a 10 mm thick crushable structure. 7.1.2) The oil tank must not be located in the cockpit. 7.2 Catch tank When a car's lubrication system includes an open type sump breather, it must vent into a catch tank of at least 3 litres capacity. ARTICLE 8 : ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Provided the regulations in this Article are complied with, the electrical system is free. 8.1 Battery Batteries must be situated in the cockpit but without obstructing the exit of the driver. Batteries must be securely fixed to the body shell and completely surrounded by a box made of insulating material that includes an air vent which exits outside the cockpit. If the battery situated in the cockpit is a dry battery, it must be protected electrically by a cover which covers it completely. The attachment to the body shell must consist of a metal seat and two metal clamps, with an insulating covering, fixed to the floor by bolts and nuts. For attaching these clamps, bolts with a diameter of at least 10 mm must be used, and under each bolt, a counterplate at least 3 mm thick and with a surface of at least 20 cm2 beneath the metal of the bodywork (see drawings 255-10 and 255-11). 8.2 Windscreen wiper The car must be fitted with the original windscreen wiper system which must be in working order throughout the event. Only the blades and arms may be replaced. The capacity of the windscreen washer tank may be modified. The headlamp washer device may be dismounted. 8.3 Starting A starter must be fitted and be in working order at all times during an event. The driver must also be able to operate the starter when seated normally. 8.4 Lighting equipment 8.4.1)All lighting equipment must be in working order throughout the event. 8.4.2) With the exception of the numberplate light, the original function of all exterior lighting equipment must be retained, but supplementary lighting may be added. For safety reasons, it is obligatory for headlights to produce a yellow beam. For races run in the daytime, N-GT cars must be equipped with yellow headlight covers. For races run at night, the homologated front bumper may be modified to accommodate supplementary lighting. This lighting may be embedded, but such openings must be completely filled by the headlights. These modifications must not create any aerodynamic downforce. 8.4.3) Reverse lights The bulbs of the reverse lights must be removed. 8.4.4) Light for rain All cars must have a red light of at least 21 watts, in working order throughout the event, which: - is a model approved by the FIA. - faces rearwards at 90° to the car centre line. - is clearly visible from the rear. - is mounted not more than 10cm from the car centre line. - is at least 35 cm above the reference plane. - is no less than 45 cm behind the rear wheel centre line, measured to the face of the lens and parallel to the reference plane. - can be switched on by the driver when seated normally in the car. The three measurements being taken to the centre of area of the lens. 8.4.5) Retractable headlights Retractable headlights may be replaced with fixed headlights, on condition that the original location is retained. The original location may be made larger, but the shape of the bonnet must be retained. ARTICLE 9 : TRANSMISSION Provided the regulations in this Article are complied with, the transmission system is free. 9.1 Transmission to the wheels 9.1.1) Four-wheel drive is forbidden. 9.1.2) The location, position and orientation of the gearbox must remain original. The gearbox must comprise a maximum of 6 ratios and a reverse gear. The chassis and the bodywork must not be modified for the fitting of a gearbox different to the original one. If the original vehicle is fitted with a semi-automatic or automatic gearbox, the original gearbox and its synchronisers, as well as its whole control system, must be retained (see article 2.8). In this case, only the ratios may be modified. If the original vehicle is fitted with a power-driven clutch with electronic or pneumatic control, the mechanism may be replaced but the whole original control system must be retained (see article 2.8). 9.1.3) A mechanical limited slip differential is permitted provided it fits in the original differential housing. "Mechanical limited slip differential" means any system which works purely mechanically, i.e. without the help of a hydraulic or electric system. A viscous clutch is not considered to be a mechanical system. If the original vehicle is fitted with a viscous clutch, it may be retained but it is not possible to add another differential. 9.1.4) For safety reasons, the transmission must be designed in such a way that should the car be stopped and the engine stalled, it is possible to push or tow it. 9.2 Reverse gear All cars must have a reverse gear which, at any time during the event, can be selected while the engine is running and used by the driver when seated normally. ARTICLE 10 : SUSPENSION AND STEERING 10.1 Sprung suspension Cars must be fitted with sprung suspension. The springing medium must not consist solely of bolts located through flexible bushes or mountings. There must be movement of the wheels to give suspension travel in excess of any flexibility in the attachments. 10.2 Suspension type and mounting 10.2.1) The whole principle of the original suspensions must be retained. 10.2.2) All suspension components, with the exception of parts specifically mentioned below, must be original equipment supplied by the manufacturer and comply with the FIA homologation form or the identification form of the racing car. These parts may be strengthened provided the original part can still be identified. The suspension reinforcements must not allow two separate parts to be joined together to form one. 10.2.3) Wheel bearings and wheel hubs may be replaced. 10.2.4) The position of the suspensions anchorage points on the chassis may be changed but the centre of the new anchorage point must be included in a 5 mm radius sphere, the centre of which is the centre of the original anchorage point. The mountings of these anchorage points on the chassis (brackets…) may be modified but not moved. Only once per vehicle and only if the suspension mountings are on a separate subframe bolted onto the chassis, a manufacturer may homologate a modification of the position of the anchorage points of the suspensions to the subframe as well as to the hub carrier, within a 20 mm radius sphere, keeping the original suspension components. The modification of a hub carrier may only be carried out through removing material from the original machined part or through machining the original raw part. Only the machining of cast or forged raw parts is authorised. The subframes and hub carriers modified this way must be interchangeable with the original subframes and hub carriers. In addition, the manufacturer must deposit with the FIA oneexample of the original machined part as well as one example of the original raw part. Increasing the diameter of the fixing screws of the anchorage points on the chassis is permitted. 10.2.5) Rubber joints may be replaced by ball joints. 10.2.6) Anti-roll bars and their mountings are free, but they must keep the location of the original anti-roll bars. The addition of an anti-roll bar if the original axle does not have one is permitted, but the mountings of this bar must be bolted or welded to the chassis and must not have any other function. 10.2.7) The material and dimensions of the springs are free. A maximum of 2 springs per wheel is allowed. 10.2.8) Shock absorbers are free provided their working principle and their number remain original. If, on the original vehicle, springs and shock absorbers are separated, they may be replaced by combined spring/shock absorber elements, without any other modification. The modification of spring, shock absorber and anti-roll bars adjustments from the cockpit is prohibited. 10.3 Chromium plating Chromium plating of steel suspension members is forbidden. 10.4 Suspension members All suspension members must be made from a homogeneous metallic material. 10.5 Steering All steering components must be original equipment supplied by the manufacturer but they may be strengthened provided the original parts can still be identified. The steering lock must be dismounted. The steering wheel may be replaced and it may be fitted with a quick release system. For the fitting of such a system, a local modification of the steering column is allowed. 10.6 Power steering Power steering may be disconnected. It is possible to replace a mechanical power steering pump with an electrical power steering pump and vice versa. 10.7 Four-wheel steering The use of four-wheel steering is forbidden. If the original vehicle is fitted with such a system, it must be rendered inoperative. ARTICLE 11 : BRAKES 11.1 Separate circuits With the exception of paragraph 2) below, the complete braking system is free provided it incorporates at least two separate circuits operated by the same pedal. This system must be designed so that if leakage or failure occurs in one circuit, the pedal shall still operate the brakes on at least two wheels. The balance of the braking forces between the front and rear axles may only be adjusted by the driver through : - direct intervention on the position of the centre of the joint, on the linkage lever of the hydraulic pumps of the front and rear circuits. - direct intervention on a proportional valve, in which the intake pressure of the rear circuit is adjusted through a pre-loaded spring, variable according to the position of the manual linkage system (see the drawing of the principle 262-9). Only one of these two systems is permitted. If a pressure-limiting valve without any adjustment possibility is fitted on the rear circuit, it may be combined with the first of the two adjustment systems described above. All other systems are prohibited, including inertial mechanical systems. 11.2 Brake discs The brake discs must be made from ferrous material. The use of titanium is authorised for the brake pistons. 11.3 Anti-lock braking and power braking Any anti-lock braking function and any power braking function are forbidden. 11.4 Brake calipers All the brake calipers must be made from aluminium materials with a modulus of elasticity no greater than 80Gpa. A single caliper, with a maximum of 6 pistons, is permitted on each wheel. The section of each caliper piston must be circular. ARTICLE 12 : WHEELS AND TYRES 12.1 Dimensions 12.1.1) Complete wheels Maximum width: 12" for a weight lower than 1300 kg 14" for a weight greater than or equal to 1300 kg Maximum diameter: 28". The maximum authorised diameter of the rims is 18". 12.1.2) Measurements will be taken horizontally at axle centreline's height. 12.2 Wheel visibility The complete wheel above the hub centre line must not be visible in plan view and viewed from the front, with the wheels aligned for the car to proceed straight ahead. 12.3 Wheel material Wheels must be made from a homogeneous metallic material. The front wheel must weigh a minimum of 7.5 kg. The rear wheel must weigh a minimum of 8 kg. Forged magnesium is forbidden. 12.4 Number of wheels The maximum number of wheels is four. 12.5 Wheel attachment Wheel attachment is free but if a single wheel nut is used, a safety pin fitted with a spring must be in place on the nut or the stub axle whenever the car is running and must be replaced after each wheel change. These pins must be painted dayglo red or orange. Alternatively, another method of retaining the wheels attachment system may be used, provided it has been approved by the FIA. 12.6 Pneumatic jacks Pneumatic jacks may be fitted to the car, but compressed air bottles are not to be carried on board. 12.7 Pressure control valves Pressure control valves on the wheels are forbidden. ARTICLE 13 : COCKPIT 13.1 Equipment in the cockpit The original dashboard must be retained, but not its instrumentation. Original heating, ventilation and demisting systems may be dismounted, but an adequate ventilation and demisting system must be retained. 13.1.1) The following must be removed from the cockpit: - Roof padding and lining - Carpets and insulating material 13.1.2) The following may also be removed from the cockpit: - Seats - All trim - Air conditioning - Window winding mechanisms, central locking systems and any other systems fitted to the original car solely for the comfort of the driver or passengers. 13.2 Equipment permitted in the cockpit 13.2.1) The only components which can be added in the cockpit are: - Safety equipment and structures - Tool kit - Seat, instruments and any other controls necessary for driving including the brake power distributor switch - Electronic equipment - Driver cooling system - Ballast - Pneumatic jacks and their pipes - Battery - Driver ventilation equipment - Door trims may be replaced with different material. 13.2.2) None of the above items may hinder cockpit exit or driver's visibility. 13.2.3) The above components must be covered where necessary by a rigid protective material to minimise injury and their mountings must be able to withstand 25 g deceleration. 13.3 Cockpit exit time 13.3.1) The cockpit must be designed so as to allow the driver to get out from his normal driving position in 7 seconds through the driver's door and in 9 seconds through the passenger's door. 13.3.2) For the purposes of the above tests, the driver must be wearing all normal driving equipment, the seat belts must be fastened, the steering wheel must be in place in the most inconvenient position, and the doors must be closed. ARTICLE 14 : SAFETY EQUIPMENT 14.1 Fire extinguishers The use of the following products is prohibited: BCF, NAF All cars must be equipped with an extinguishing system homologated by the FIA in accordance with article 253-7.2, with the exception of the means of triggering. A means of triggering from the outside, eventually combined with the circuit breaker and operated by a single lever, must be present at the bottom of the windscreen on the left side. It must be marked with a letter "E" in red inside a white circle of at least 100 mm diameter with a red edge. 14.2 Safety belts The wearing of two shoulder straps, one abdominal strap and two straps between the legs is compulsory. These straps must comply with FIA standard N°8853/98. It is prohibited for the seat belts to be anchored to the seats or their supports. 14.3 Rear view mirrors Position free. The car must be fitted with two rear view mirrors, one fitted on each side of the car, in order to give an efficient view to the rear. Each mirror must have a minimum area of 100 cm². The scrutineers must be assured through a practical demonstration that the driver, seated normally, can clearly see the vehicles following him. To this end, the driver will be asked to identify letters or figures, 15 cm high and 10 cm wide, to the following instructions : - Height : Between 40 cm and 100 cm from the ground. - Width : 2 m one side or the other of the centre line of the car. - Position : 10 metres behind the centre line of the rear axle of the car. 14.4 Seat and headrest 14.4.1) The driver's seat must either be original, modified only through the addition of accessories with a registered trade mark, or be homologated by the EEC, the FMVSS or the FIA and not modified, with an extension padded with energyabsorbing and non-flammable material around the driver's head and not modified. If the original attachments or supports are changed, they must comply with the provisions of article 253.16. It is recommended that the seat attachments be homologated on the car's homologation form. 14.4.2) All cars must be equipped with a headrest which cannot deflect more than 50 mm when a rearward force of 85 daN is applied. The headrest surface must not be less than 400 cm2 and must be continuous and without protruding parts. It must be positioned so that it is the first point of contact for the driver's helmet in the event of an impact projecting his head backwards when he is seated normally. 14.5 Master switch 14.5.1) The driver, when seated normally with the safety belt fastened and the steering wheel in place, must be able to cut off all the electrical circuits by means of a sparkproof circuit breaker switch. This switch must be clearly marked by a symbol showing a red spark in a white edged blue triangle and be accessible by the driver with his safety belt fastened. 14.5.2) There must also be an exterior switch, with a handle which is capable of being operated from a distance by a hook. This switch must be located at the lower part of the windscreen pillar on the left-hand side. 14.6 Towing eye 14.6.1) A towing eye with a minimum and maximum inner diameter of 80 mm and 100 mm respectively must be securely fitted to the front and rear structures of the car. 14.6.2) The towing eye must be positioned in such a way that they can be used should the car be stopped in a gravel bed. 14.6.3) The towing eyes must be clearly visible and painted in yellow, red or orange. ARTICLE 15 : SAFETY STRUCTURES 15.1 Rollover structure The car must be fitted with a rollcage complying with Appendix J Article 253.8. Longitudinal struts, or an alternative acceptable to the FIA, providing lateral protection, must be included. It is possible to add three lateral protection bars onto a rollbar homologated by the FIA in accordance with drawing 258-3. The tubes close to the driver must be padded with nonflammable foam approved by the FIA. 15.2 Firewall and floor The cars must be equipped with a firewall which is liquid-proof, flame-proof and gas-proof between the driver and engine on the one hand and between the driver and the fuel tank on the other hand, to prevent the passage of flames from the engine compartment to the cockpit. Any holes in the firewall must be of the minimum size for the passage of controls and wires and must be completely sealed. ARTICLE 16 : FUEL 16.1 Fuel specification The fuel must be commercial petrol which comes from a service station pump, without any additive other than that of a lubricant on current sale. The fuel must comply with the following specifications: - 102.0 RON and 90.0 MON maximum, 95.0 RON and 85.0 MON minimum for unleaded fuel. - 100.0 RON and 92.0 MON maximum, 97.0 RON and 86.0 MON minimum for leaded fuel. The measurements will be made according to the standards ASTM D 2699-86 and D 2700-86. - Specific gravity between 720 and 785 kg/m3 at 15°C (measured according to ASTM D 4052). - A maximum of 2.8 % oxygen (or 3.7 % if the lead content is less than 0.013 g/l) and 0.5 % nitrogen by weight, the remainder of the fuel consisting exclusively of hydrocarbons and not containing any power-boosting additives. The measuring of the nitrogen content will be carried out according to the standard ASTM D 3228 and that of the oxygen content by elemental analysis with a tolerance of 0.2 %. - Maximum content of peroxides and nitrooxide compounds: 100 ppm (ASTM D 3703 or in the case of impossibility UOP 3382). - Maximum lead content: 0.40 g/l or the standard of the country of the event if it is lower (ASTM D 3341 or D 3237). - Maximum benzene content: 5 % in volume (ASTM D 3606). - Maximum Reid vapour pressure: 900 hPa (ASTM D 323). - Distillation at 70°C: 10 % - 47 % (ASTM D 86). - Distillation at 100°C: 30 % - 70 % (ASTM D 86). - Distillation at 180° C: 85 % minimum (ASTM D 86). - Maximum final boiling point: 225°C (ASTM D 86). - Maximum residue: 2 % volume (ASTM D 86). The fuel will be accepted or rejected according to the standard ASTM D 3244 with a confidence limit of 95 %. If the fuel available locally for the event is not of a sufficient quality for use by competitors, the ASN of the organising country must ask the FIA for a waiver in order to enable the use of fuel not corresponding to the characteristics defined above. 16.2 Air Only air may be mixed with the fuel as an oxidant. ARTICLE 17 : FINAL TEXT The final text of these regulations is the English version which shall be used should any dispute arise over their interpretation. Appendix 1 : Restrictors for normally aspirated engines Appendix 2 : Restrictors for supercharged engines ARTICLE 18 : MODIFICATIONS FOR 01/01/2003 4.2 Ballast Ballast must be secured in the cockpit in the passenger's location and according to the specifications of article 253- 16 concerning dimensions and characteristics of the fixations , such that tools are required for its removal and so as to allow the fixing of seals by the scrutineers. The securing system must allow the fixing of seals by the scrutineers and must be designed such that tools are required for its removal. Any movable ballast system when the car is in motion is forbidden. Article 257 - Appendix 1 Restrictors for Normally Aspirated Engines (Series Grand Touring Cars) Article 257 - Appendix 2 Restrictors for Supercharged Engines (Series Grand Touring Cars) Copyright ©2000-©2023 TotalMotorSport