ETCC weight loss in BTCC.

Green Flag MSA British Touring Car officials have granted cars running to European Touring Car regulations a 25-kilogram reduction in weight from the next three championship rounds at Mondello Park on 12-13 June.

The announcement will affect SEAT Sport UK's Toledo model and privateer teams Edenbridge Racing's BMW 320i, Team Sureterm's Alfa Romeo 156 GTA and Team Quest/Varta's Honda Civic.

BTCC Series Director Alan Gow said that the decision was taken after detailed analysis of performance of both ETCC and BTCC-spec cars running in Britain.

"In the best interests of the BTCC, the two types of cars should boast equal performance," Gow commented. "That is essential in generating more of the exceptionally close racing we have witnessed so far this season.

"In the last three ETCC meetings, SEAT's Toledo has proved it is now on a par with the best out there from established leaders Alfa Romeo and BMW.

"It should therefore be equal in performance to the best of the BTCC-spec cars, such as the Vauxhall Astras and Honda Civics. I believe a 25kg weight reduction will achieve this equality."