The introduction of the new hybrid kit for TCR cars has been delayed by a year until 2024, due to ‘changes in the touring car landscape’.
The mild hybrid kit had been set to be introduced next year, but with the demise of the FIA World Touring Car Cup, which had hinted at planning to go hybrid in the near future, the introduction of the kit has been delayed.
Italian outfit Romeo Ferraris has been carrying out extensive testing and development of the new system, with a retro-fitted Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCR car used.
There has been ‘strong interest’ from manufacturers and promoters, but against the changes in the touring car scene, the introduction of the system has been delayed.
“This decision has been dictated by the new scenario that opened following the change of format of World Touring Car competition,” said WSC President Marcello Lotti.
“The launch of the TCR World Ranking that resulted in the launch of the TCR World Tour has advised us to reconsider the application of the hybrid system.
“In fact, this would have precluded the competitors of national championships with cars without the hybrid system to vie on equal terms with the TCR World Tour regulars.
“We have explained the situation to the promoters who wished to introduce the hybrid system from next year, telling them that their requests will be fulfilled in 2024.”