Touring Cars 2012

2012 BTCC calendar:

31 March-1 April - Brands Hatch
14-15 April - Donington Park
28-29 April - Thruxton
9-10 June - Oulton Park
23-24 June - Croft
11-12 August - Snetterton (300)
25-26 August - Knockhill
22-23 September - Rockingham
6-7 October - Silverstone
20-21 October - Brands Hatch

2012 WTCC calendar:

11/03 - Monza
01/04 - Valencia
15/04 - Marrakech
06/05 - Hungaroring
20/05 - Salzburgring
03/06 - Estoril
08/07 - TBA
22/07 - Curitiba
23/09 - Infineon
21/10 - Suzuka
04/11 - Shanghai
18/11 - Macau

2012 DTM calendar:

9th April Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg (D)
6th May Lausitzring (D)
20th May Brands Hatch (GB)
3rd June Red Bull Ring Spielberg (A)
1st July Norisring (D)
14th / 15th July Show event Olympiastadion Munich (D)
19th August Nürburgring (D)
26th August Circuit Park Zandvoort (NL)
16th September Motorsport Arena Oschersleben (D)
30th September Valencia (E)
21st October Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg (D)

Although touring cars in 2011 was a bit glum, things are looking up for 2012. BMW are now in DTM and the calender features the old A1-Ring. The WTCC have got a great new calendar, taking them to the USA and South America. Also:

Races will be up to 10k longer! Better China track, longer Suzuka circuit. Argentina too, though probably won't double with TC2000.

The championship wasn't so bad this year despite the Chevy dominance. The Muller-Huff duel was better than the F1 and MotoGP championship battles. WTCC races have always been too short so things are looking up but Volvo may not feature according to this article.

The BTCC is always hilarious bumper-car action, so I'll be following that. The quality of the races despite the machinery in DTM has been poor so it would take something special from the new cars to get me interested again, personally.

Edited by Disgrace, 07 December 2011 - 21:21.

no i think 2012 will be much better entertainment wise. the new schedule for the WTCC is great and i love the idea of touring cars in america!!!! DTM im sure will be much more exciting with the downforce changes aswell as BMW re joining. BTCC is always awesome. In all 2012 brings ALOT of great change and i look forward to it.

P.S. i "expect" BMW to win the DTM championship and to de-crown chevy in the WTCC.

Edited by nimbus111, 07 December 2011 - 21:26.

Plato, Neal and Shedden at the Autosport International.

It'll be interesting to see how fast BMW get up to speed with the DTM.

The signings they've made are incredibly impressive. Even as an Audi fan I'd love to see Andy Prilaux do well.

...BTCC is always awesome. ...

Some of us actually remember BTCC before it became buzzboxes playing moronic bumper cars. THEN it was awesome. Now days, it's a pathetic joke that makes professional wrestling look real.

Neil

Some of us actually remember BTCC before it became buzzboxes playing moronic bumper cars. THEN it was awesome. Now days, it's a pathetic joke that makes professional wrestling look real. Neil

Hmmmm. You might want to take off those rose-tinted spectacles and watch some of the BTCC Review videos from the late 80's onwards. The bumper cars aspect has been there forever (though watching those from '92 onwards it's surprising how far back Matt Neal's antics go...).

Though I concur on the cars; I would prefer to see another 200bhp from the engines.

Hmmmm. You might want to take off those rose-tinted spectacles and watch some of the BTCC Review videos from the late 80's onwards. The bumper cars aspect has been there forever (though watching those from '92 onwards it's surprising how far back Matt Neal's antics go...).

Though I concur on the cars; I would prefer to see another 200bhp from the engines.

I'd love to see the BTCC go a little bit down the aussie V8s route, simple basics machinery with 600hp+ under the bonnet.

Although i realise thats just a pipe dream and not realistic, i'm curious how the NGTCs are going to work out, i don't mind the fact that the series is becoming more and more one spec as i understand keeping costs down is vital for a national series like the BTCC, i would just like a bit more umpff than the 300hp thats expected with the NGTC.

DTM at Brands Hatch is earlier this year. Any idea why?

Look forward to BTCC at Knockhill. Great wee circuit with some tremendous racing.

I remember when the BTCC was effectively a spec series for Sierra RS500s - and there was plenty of bumper car stuff then too.

DTM at Brands Hatch is earlier this year. Any idea why?

Look forward to BTCC at Knockhill. Great wee circuit with some tremendous racing.

Something called the 'Olympics'.

DTM at Brands Hatch is earlier this year. Any idea why?

is it still going to be held on the Indy circuit?

is it still going to be held on the Indy circuit?

DTM on the GP circuit would be something I would like to see!

Will never happen though I suppose

DTM on the GP circuit would be something I would like to see!

Will never happen though I suppose

Can't see the point in having the DTM cars over here , and then putting them on a 'mickey mouse' circuit. A complete waste...

Can't see the point in having the DTM cars over here , and then putting them on a 'mickey mouse' circuit. A complete waste...

Since when has Brands Hatch been a 'Mickey Mouse' circuit?

Although, it was first used for a race in the same year that Mickey Mouse was devised.

For cars like the DTM, the Indy circuit doesn't let them 'stretch their legs' - surely the GP circuit should be used. But, obviously not...

Since when has Brands Hatch been a 'Mickey Mouse' circuit?

Although, it was first used for a race in the same year that Mickey Mouse was devised.

5 Corners + No overtaking + 41 second laps + 575bhp car = Mickey mouse

And now they're turning Graham Hill bend into a hairpin in the hope that this will allow the DTM's to overtake.......

The DTM tend to go for shorter versions of circuits if available - e.g. Brands Hatch, Catalunya, Hockenheim, Nurburgring. The maps below are from Gary Paffett's website.

Fell out of touch with BTCC since its demotion from ITV1 a few years ago, but know I've discovered it's on ITV4 (I think...) I'm going to get back into it! I've certainly missed it.

Edited by LewEngBridewell, 16 January 2012 - 12:50.

Why leave out V8 Supercars? Here's the rundown for those who are interested:

1-4 March - Clipsal 500 - Adelaide Street Circuit
15-18 March - Albert Park 400 - Albert Park (Non-Championship)
30 March - 1 April - Falken Tasmania Challenge - Symmons Plains
20-22 April - ITM Hamilton 400 - Hamilton Street Circuit
4-6 May - Trading Post Perth Challenge - Barbagello Raceway
18-20 May - Phillip Island - Phillip Island GP Circuit
15-17 June - Skycity Triple Crown - Hidden Valley Raceway
6-8 July - Sucrogen Townsville 400 - Townsville Street Circuit
3-5 August - Coates Hire Ipswitch 300 - Queensland Raceway
24-26 August - Winton - Winton Motor Raceway

-- Season of Endurance Start --
14-16 September - Sandown 500 - Sandown Raceway
4-7 October - Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 - Mount Panorama Circuit
19-21 October - Armor All Gold Coast 600 - Surfers Paradise Street Circuit
-- Season of Endurance End --

2-4 November - Yas V8 400 - Yas Marina Circuit
TBA - TBA - TBA
30 November - 2 December - Sydney Telstra 500 - Homebush Street Circuit

It'll be interesting to see what V8SC has planned for the November slot. The Circuit of the Americas race isn't due to start until 2013. It looks as though they could be looking to go back to Bahrain or Shanghai (due to the back-to-back slot with Abu Dhabi), or they could be targeting some new place in the area like Sepang or Korea. I really hope they find something to fill that slot though, because if there's nothing there then there would be almost a month to wait before Homebush, and the season post-endurance looks pretty damn thin.

Anyways, it's good to see Sandown back with the 500. IMO Sandown doesn't lend itself well to the sprint format, while Phillip Island works with both. And Sandown is where it belongs anyway!

Finally, the driver/team changes. Lee Holdsworth is the only significant main change IMO - it'll be interesting to see what he can do in the SBR Falcon, and to see if he'll keep improving similarly to previous GRM drivers (Tander and Whincup) and really start contending for race wins. The matchup with Shane Van Gisbergen will be awesome too!

Something called the 'Olympics'.

That makes sense I suppose.

The reason DTM use the Indy circuit at Brands Hatch is so spectators can see the whole track the whole time.

They would be superb on the GP track imo.

The reason DTM use the Indy circuit at Brands Hatch is so spectators can see the whole track the whole time.

I thought it had something to do with noise restrictions imposed by the neighbours?

Either way, pretty ridiculous track option for DTM cars. They hardly get raced to their full potential around the Indy circuit.

Brands Hatch GP wouldn't even be that great for DTM.

I thought Palmer upgraded Snetterton to accommodate DTM - they'd be far better off on the 300 circuit.

I thought it had something to do with noise restrictions imposed by the neighbours?

Either way, pretty ridiculous track option for DTM cars. They hardly get raced to their full potential around the Indy circuit.

There is a noise dispute but I don't think there is any difference between the Indy circuit and the full GP circuit.

I just think they are restricted to how many race meeting they can have.

You're spot on though. The DTM cars don't get used to they're full potential around the Indy circuit.

MG sign Plato and Neate () for three-year BTCC assault.

MG sign Plato and Neate () for three-year BTCC assault.

Well, I didn't see that one (Plato leaving RML) coming.

MG sign Plato and Neate () for three-year BTCC assault.

MG? Are they still going?

Well, I didn't see that one (Plato leaving RML) coming.

I assume RML and chevrolet are carrying on this year are they?

MG? Are they still going?

Yes, although the marque is now Chinese-owned.

I assume RML and chevrolet are carrying on this year are they?

I thought so, as I remember Plato said on numerous occasions that the team would fit a turbo engine for this year.

Why leave out V8 Supercars? Here's the rundown for those who are interested:

1-4 March - Clipsal 500 - Adelaide Street Circuit
15-18 March - Albert Park 400 - Albert Park (Non-Championship)
30 March - 1 April - Falken Tasmania Challenge - Symmons Plains
20-22 April - ITM Hamilton 400 - Hamilton Street Circuit
4-6 May - Trading Post Perth Challenge - Barbagello Raceway
18-20 May - Phillip Island - Phillip Island GP Circuit
15-17 June - Skycity Triple Crown - Hidden Valley Raceway
6-8 July - Sucrogen Townsville 400 - Townsville Street Circuit
3-5 August - Coates Hire Ipswitch 300 - Queensland Raceway
24-26 August - Winton - Winton Motor Raceway

-- Season of Endurance Start --
14-16 September - Sandown 500 - Sandown Raceway
4-7 October - Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 - Mount Panorama Circuit
19-21 October - Armor All Gold Coast 600 - Surfers Paradise Street Circuit
-- Season of Endurance End --

2-4 November - Yas V8 400 - Yas Marina Circuit
TBA - TBA - TBA
30 November - 2 December - Sydney Telstra 500 - Homebush Street Circuit

It'll be interesting to see what V8SC has planned for the November slot. The Circuit of the Americas race isn't due to start until 2013. It looks as though they could be looking to go back to Bahrain or Shanghai (due to the back-to-back slot with Abu Dhabi), or they could be targeting some new place in the area like Sepang or Korea. I really hope they find something to fill that slot though, because if there's nothing there then there would be almost a month to wait before Homebush, and the season post-endurance looks pretty damn thin.

Anyways, it's good to see Sandown back with the 500. IMO Sandown doesn't lend itself well to the sprint format, while Phillip Island works with both. And Sandown is where it belongs anyway!

Finally, the driver/team changes. Lee Holdsworth is the only significant main change IMO - it'll be interesting to see what he can do in the SBR Falcon, and to see if he'll keep improving similarly to previous GRM drivers (Tander and Whincup) and really start contending for race wins. The matchup with Shane Van Gisbergen will be awesome too!

V8SC is the beste touring car series for me. Started following it in 2010 and haven't missed a single race since then. Good to see the season starts with the Clipsal 500.

I thought so, as I remember Plato said on numerous occasions that the team would fit a turbo engine for this year.

I thought they were only going to do it if they could build a complete NGTC car? Plato was saying they'd need to raise 100k to do that and now he's gone to 888 I'm presuming we won't see any NGTC Chevies. There might be a turbo one or two but I'd surprised if it's from RML.

well now Plato can blame the fact its a "new" team when he carrys on struggling, rather than just blaming himself.

well now Plato can blame the fact its a "new" team when he carrys on struggling, rather than just blaming himself.

I don't think it will be long before it's on the pace. 888 are no muppets when it comes to setting up a touring car and neither is Jason when he's not in the wrong combination of machinery.

Why leave out V8 Supercars? Here's the rundown for those who are interested:

3-5 August - Coates Hire Ipswitch 300 - Queensland Raceway

Pity I wasn't off to Oz this year instead of 2008.

We stayed with the wifes family who stay around 1 mile from the circuit at Ipswich. The timing would have been almost spot on.

I love the V8's.

MG sign Plato and Neate () for three-year BTCC assault.

Nice to see MG back again. It's also nice that Plato is in a proper "works" car. Love him or loathe him he is a big part of the BTCC.

Nice to see MG back again. It's also nice that Plato is in a proper "works" car. Love him or loathe him he is a big part of the BTCC.

Indeed, yet another brand in the BTCC's healthy collection.

I suppose I agree on Plato, he is an important figure for the series, even if he can be a bit of a prat occasionally.

MG sign Plato and Neate () for three-year BTCC assault.

As a born and brad Longbridgite, and somebody who enjoys watching Plato race, I think I know who I'll be supporting this year.

I guess this is a good move by MG. I saw these new MG cars displayed on the prom at Llandudno last summer at the Three Castles Rally start, but I haven't seen one since, either on the road or in a showroom, so this should give them some very welcome and high profile exposure.

Triple 8 are a highly accomplished team and if anyone can get the car on the pace, they can. And Plato, for all his many, many faults, is a very fast touring car driver. Won't stop him whinging of course...

Edited by BRG, 26 January 2012 - 20:08.

Indeed, yet another brand in the BTCC's healthy collection.

I suppose I agree on Plato, he is an important figure for the series, even if he can be a bit of a prat occasionally.

And they're brands that make affordable cars, rather than the 'premium' DTM. There's Proton, MG, Toyota etc. all represented, and I think that's great.

Wow, the Castrol EDGE livery on the M3 DTM really looks ace!

Wow, the Castrol EDGE livery on the M3 DTM really looks ace!

My eyes!!!

Wow, the Castrol EDGE livery on the M3 DTM really looks ace!

So much better than having 6 identikit BMW 'M' liveries... looks great!

MG sign Plato and Neate () for three-year BTCC assault.

There should be a law against liveries like that, my eyes!

There should be a law against liveries like that, my eyes!

It's a bit vivid, isn't it, but it is only an artist's impression at the mo, so the final car may be a bit more restrained. Or even completely different.

Ossi Oikarinen leave Scuderia Ferrari team and his new team is Team Rosberg, DTM-series. he replaces former technical director Andreas Roos.

Now that is a racing car!

That is a sweet looking car.

So Chevrolet have left the BTCC, how many cars do we have for this season?

Well they've already been replaced by MG.

So that's why Plato left.