JA:
The choice of venue is very much a promoters choice, as the relationship between the promoter and the
FIA is much the same as in
Formula 1. In
F1, Mr. Ecclestone has the right to choose the events and where they go, the FIA’s responsibility is on circuit safety. So the FIA can veto a circuit and say it isn’t safe, but it can’t put another circuit in – it is down to the promoter to do what is right. In the case of World Touring Cars, the promoter works closely with the manufacturer so it is where the manufacturers want to be and where will work commercially because at the end of the day it has to do that as well.
Crash.net
Are there other countries it the frame that might join the calendar?
JA:
There are always countries asking so it will never be a fixed matter. In France for example, we have moved and in Portugal they wanted to alternate between Porto and Estoril – it wasn’t from our side. Contracts are normally for three years but things will always evolve. However I don’t see it going above twelve events. There is a matter of balance within Europe and outside and we only tend to go outside if it is economically viable for the teams and the Market is right so they get a lot of assistance when we do it. For example when we go to Japan, it is very much courtesy of Yokohama who will cover a lot of the transportation costs – otherwise it would be hard for the teams.
Crash.net
The other thing you are involved in is the regulations. What can you tell us about the ballast for next season and what might change?
JA:
What we have been looking at is simplifying the system a little bit as, at the moment, it is a bit difficult to understand. At the end of each race, it isn’t something you can work out quickly in your mind and I have to sit and wait until someone has done the calculations as there are so many variables. We wanted something simpler and also something where, if you have success, yes it will hit you for the next race but it won’t carry on for too long. It isn’t 100 per cent sure, but the system we are looking at is one we looked at for this year and then at the last minute we didn’t go with but I think we will be a bit bolder this time.
![Jorg Muller and Luca Rangoni lead at the start of race two in Valencia [Pic credit: FIA WTCC]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/325857.jpg)
