BMR Subaru team accepts BTCC technical measures are "accurate"
The Subaru BMR team has weighed in on the row over the BTCC's technical regulations, after its driver Jason Plato accused championship bosses of unfairly restricting the team's cars.
Plato made his comments in an ITV interview at Knockhill two weeks ago, but was quickly rebuffed by Series Director Alan Gow., who said the team had actually been given special dispensation to change the homolgation of its inlet manifold.
In a statement issued this evening, the team clarified its position, and saying it believed the criteria used to measure the car's performance were "surprisingly accurate", apparently in contradiction of Plato's claims:
"It has always been and is our intention to ensure that the BTCC Regulations as a whole are fully respected by everybody, as we do, for the benefit of all participants," reads the statement.
"Silverline Subaru BMR Racing made a transparent application for a Homologation Extension to change the design of its inlet manifold, which TOCA and the BTCC Technical Working Group agreed could be introduced for the Oulton Park round onwards - albeit subject to an initially conservative base boost setting.
"Silverline Subaru BMR Racing understand our drivers’ frustration on power levels and boost adjustments that did, in some circumstances, not seem logical given the objective of equalising engine outputs across the championship. This concern was also expressed at times by some senior personnel and high profile drivers from some other teams throughout the season.
"However since these comments were made the calculus TOCA have used in determining the resultant boost pressure and any adjustments has been presented to us and all other engine manufacturers. It is clear to us that the methodology used is based on raw data taken from each and every vehicle in the championship. The maths and processes are in fact a remarkably accurate judgement of the power output of each engine at the test conditions.
"Silverline Subaru BMR Racing support TOCA and the foundation of the processes in place. We, along with many others, will continue to assist TOCA at all times to ensure we continue to have a transparent formula in place that results in a robust and accurate method to help achieve parity on circuit which will result in what all the drivers then experience in car.
"Silverline Subaru BMR Racing are looking forward to the successful climax of the 2016 BTCC season and hope that all involved are as well.