1) DEFINITION

Large scale series production touring cars.

2) HOMOLOGATION

At least 2500 fully identical units must have been produced in 12 consecutive months and homologated by the FIA in Touring Cars (Group A).

Supply Variants (VF) homologated in Touring Cars (Group A) are also valid in Production Cars (Group N).

Option Variants (VO) of the Touring Cars (Group A) form shall not be valid in Production Cars (Group N), unless they refer to:

- flywheel for automatic gearbox;

- fuel tank;

- automatic gearbox;

- sun roof;

- safety rollcage;

- seat supports and anchorages;

- safety harness mounting points;

- 2/4-door versions.

The use of tanks homologated in VO on the Touring Car (Group A) form must be carried out under the conditions of Article 5.9.2 of the Touring Car (Group A) regulations, and Article 254.6.8.

Evolutions of the type (ET), kit variants (VK) and sporting evolutions (ES) homologated in Group  A are not valid in Production Cars (Group N).

Nevertheless, evolutions of the type and the sporting evolutions homologated in Group A as from 01.01.97 are valid in Group N.

3) NUMBER OF SEATS

Cars must have at least four places, in accordance with the dimensions defined for Touring Cars (Group A).

4) MODIFICATIONS AND ADJUNCTIONS ALLOWED OR OBLIGATORY

All modifications which are not explicitly allowed by the present regulations are forbidden.

An authorised modification may not entail a non-authorised modification.

The only work which may be carried out on the car is that necessary for its normal servicing, or for the replacement of parts damaged through wear or accident.

The limits of the modifications and fittings allowed are specified hereinafter.

Apart from these, any part damaged through wear or accident can only be replaced by an original part identical to the damaged one.

Throughout the car, any bolt, nut or screw may be replaced by any other bolt, nut or screw, provided that they are made from the same family of material and have the same diameter and thread as the original part and have a locking device of any kind (washer, lock nut, etc.).

The cars must be strictly series production models identifiable from the homologation form data.

Articles 251, 252 and 253 of the FIA Appendix J remain applicable, but the articles modified in the present regulations have predominance.

The use of titanium is prohibited unless expressly authorised by the regulations.

5) MINIMUM WEIGHT

The minimum weight of the car, including the driver and his full equipment, is:

- 1100 kg for a front-wheel drive car

- 1130 kg for a rear-wheel drive car

These minimum weights must be respected at all times during the event, in particular when the car crosses the finish line.

It is permitted to complete the weight of the car by one or several ballasts, provided that they are strong and unitary blocks, fixed by means of tools with the possibility of affixing seals, and placed on the floor of the cockpit or the luggage compartment, visible and sealed by the Scrutineers.

The fixation of ballast must be capable of withstanding an acceleration/deceleration of at least 25 g.

6) SAFETY PRESCRIPTIONS

The safety prescriptions for Group N cars, as specified in Article 253 of Appendix J, are applicable.

6.1. Additional fasteners:

Two additional safety fasteners must be fitted for each of the bonnet and boot lids.

The original locking mechanisms must be rendered inoperative or removed.

6.2. Driver's seat:

The original driver's seat must be replaced by an FIA-homologated competition bucket seat with five (5) passages for the safety harness straps.

The seat must be mounted by means of at least four (4) M8 bolts of at least 10.9 quality.

Seat attachments complying with the technical specifications for Super Touring Cars (Article 262 of Appendix J) are authorised and recommended without modifications to the homologated shell.

The original seat mountings may be removed.

The use of the competition seat mountings homologated with the bucket seat is recommended.

6.3. Safety harness:

A safety harness equipped with a turn buckle release system and having a minimum of five (5) anchorage points, homologated by the FIA in accordance with Article 253.6 of Appendix J, is compulsory.

3" harnesses are recommended.

6.4. Rollover structures:

A rollcage complying with Article 253.8 of Appendix J is compulsory.

The rollbar tubes situated near the driver must be equipped with a protective sleeve.

This non-flammable protective sleeve must be provided for within a perimeter of 50 cm, around the head of the driver seated in the driver's seat with his harness fastened.

6.5. Extinguishers - extinguishing systems:

Hand-operated extinguishers homologated in accordance with Article 253.8 of Appendix J, of a minimum capacity of four (4) kg, are compulsory.

The extinguishing systems, in accordance with the technical specifications for Super Touring Cars, are authorised and recommended.

6.6. Protective nets:

a) Net:

A protective net is recommended.

If one is fitted, it must meet the following specifications :

The net must be made up of woven strips at least 19 mm (3/4") wide. The meshes must be a minimum of 25 x 25 mm and a maximum of 60 x 60 mm. The woven strips must be non-flammable and sewn together at each point of crossing. The net must not be of a temporary nature.

b) Fixation:

The net must be attached either to the driver's door or to the rollcage, above the driver's window, and be affixed by means of a rapid release system, even if the car turns over.

It must be possible to detach the net with one hand.

To this end, the handle or lever must have coloured markings. A push button release system is authorised provided that it respects the prescriptions of this article.

The push buttons must be visible from the outside, be of a contrasting colour and be marked "press".

For the attachment of the net or of its rollcage support, only screw-in connections are authorised.

No modifications to the rollcage are authorised.

7) ENGINE

7.1. Cylinder capacity:

The cylinder capacity must not exceed 2000 cm3.

With respect to the bore (Art. 314 of the Homologation form), a production tolerance of 0.05 mm at the level of the fire zone is authorised, provided that the total cylinder capacity does not exceed 2000 cm3.

7.2. Ignition:

The make and type of the spark plugs, rev limiter and high tension leads are free. The ignition components in the electronic control unit are free.

7.3. Cooling system:

The thermostat is free, as is the control system and the temperature at which the fan cuts in. The locking system for the radiator cap is free. Provided that they are fitted in the original location without any modification to the bodywork, the radiator and its attachments are free, as are the screens and the air cooling lines upstream of the radiator.

The original expansion chambers may be replaced by others provided that the capacity of the new chambers does not exceed 2 litres and that they are placed in the engine compartment.

The liquid cooling lines external to the engine block and their accessories are free. Lines of a different material and/or diameter may be used.

However, this freedom does not allow for the suppression of systems, such as, for example, the heating system, the preheating of the manifold or the preheating of the feed system. The internal diameter of these lines may be more than, but under no circumstances less than, that of the original.

The radiator fans are free.

The oil radiators and their connections are free, provided that they do not give rise to any modifications to the bodywork and are situated within the perimeter of the bodywork.

7.3.1 - Heating system:

7.4. Fuel and air feed:

The original injection system must be retained.

The electronic injection control unit is free.

Only the original intake system comprising a maximum of two (2) throttle valves is authorised.

Variable intake systems are prohibited. If the vehicle is originally equipped with such a system, it must be rendered inoperative.

The accelerator cable may be doubled or replaced by another. Only a direct mechanical linkage between the throttle pedal and the throttle valve control is permitted.

The flow rate of the injectors is free, but their original number, operating principle and position must be retained.

The sensors and actuators of the electronic control unit are free. The design and production of the sound wheel for the sensors are free, as is the modification of any existing wheel.

A lambda probe and its control unit are compulsory.

None of these authorised modifications may have an effect on the quantity of air reaching the engine.

With regard to the engine rev (r.p.m.) signals and their transfer, only the engine speed signals may be transmitted and connected to the engine control unit.

7.5. Air filter:

All the combustive air reaching the engine must pass through an air filter box. The air lines upstream of the air filter box are free and the air lines downstream of the air filter box towards the throttles are free.

The air filter box is free under the following conditions:

- one air intake only, of a max. diameter of 80 mm or a max. surface of 50 cm2 is authorised.

This surface must be measured in at least one plane between the air intake and the air filter box.

- there must be a filtering cartridge in the box. This cartridge is free as long as it filters the dust particles;

- all the air admitted to the engine must pass through this air filter;

- one air outlet only is authorised.

The position of installation of the air filter box in the engine compartment is free.

7.6. Lubrication:

The fitting of baffles in the oil sump is authorised.

An oil deflector may be fitted between the plane of the oil sump gasket and the engine block, provided that the distance separating the planes of their joints is not increased by more than 4 mm.

The replacement of the oil filter cartridges is free, provided that the new cartridge has the same characteristics as the original one. Screw-in oil filter components may be used instead of oil filter cartridges in the following conditions:

- make and manufacturer of the oil filter free;

- oil filter dimensions free provided that the original dimensions of the filter fixation flange are retained;

- neither the oil filter nor the filtering element of the oil filter may be removed;

- the oil filter or the oil filter cartridge must filter the oil; the passage flow may be greater than that of the original element;

- the entire oil flow must pass through the oil filter or the oil filter cartridge;

- the oil filter junction chambers may not be modified.

An air/oil separator may be mounted outside the engine (minimum capacity 1 litre) in accordance with drawing n° 4. The oil must flow from the oil catch tank towards the engine by the force of gravity alone. The vapours must be re-aspirated by the engine via the intake system.

In order to allow the fitting of lubrication temperature sensors (gearboxes, differential casing, etc.), holes or threaded orifices of a max. diameter of 14 mm may be made in the respective casings.

7.7. Cylinder head:

The material and thickness of the cylinder head gasket are free.

The cylinder head may be adjusted by planing. The sum of the measurements of the minimum height of the cylinder head (point 321c of the homologation form) must be retained.

The valve springs are free but must be made of steel.

The intake and outlet ports in the cylinder head, as well as the ports in the intake manifold, may be machined in conformity with Art. 255.5 of Appendix J, as long as the dimensions on the homologation form are respected. The valve seats are free, as are the valve guides, but the respective angles of the valve axes must be retained.

7.7.1 Compression ratio

The camshaft(s) is/are free, but the number of camshafts must remain unchanged.

7.8. Flywheel:

The minimum weight of the flywheel is 5000 g. The original flywheel may be lightened to comply with the authorised weight through the removal of material only, provided that the original flywheel may still be identified. The starter crown may not differ from the original.

7.9. Exhaust system:

The exhaust system is free downstream of the cylinder head provided that the prescribed sound levels of 100 dB(A) at 4500 r.p.m. measured in conformity with the FIA noise-measuring method are not exceeded.

Variable exhaust systems are prohibited. If the vehicle is originally equipped with such a system, it must be rendered inoperative.

The exhaust manifold is part of the exhaust system.

The lambda probe must be placed a maximum of 20 cm after the junction plane in an exhaust manifold tube, or must be retained in its original position if the original exhaust system is used.

All vehicles must be equipped with a homologated catalytic converter. 

The catalytic converter must be fitted on the first part (to the fore of the half of the wheelbase in which it was originally located) of the exhaust system, as near as possible to the lambda probe or in the original position if the original exhaust system is used.

The catalytic converter must be fitted upstream of the silencer(s).

The exhaust gases must, at all times, pass through the catalytic converter.

The position of the catalytic converter must be indicated by coloured markings on the underbody of the car.

The exit of the exhaust pipe must be situated at the rear of the car, within the perimeter of the car, and be less than 10 cm from this perimeter (figure n° 1).

The section of the exhaust silencers or of the catalyst itself must always be round or oval.

7.10. Engine and gearbox mountings:

The elastic components of the engine mountings may be replaced by others, regardless of their material, provided that they have the same dimensions as the original ones and that the position of the engine and of the gearbox remains unchanged.

7.11. Materials

8) TRANSMISSION

8.1. Gearbox:

Only the original gearboxes homologated on the vehicle at 2500 units, comprising a maximum of five (5) engageable forward gears and one (1) engageable reverse gear, and in working order, are authorised.

If the series gearbox has more than five (5) forward gears, the gear wheels as from the sixth (6^th) ratio must be rendered inoperative by the removal of the teeth of the gear wheels concerned.

The inside of the original housing is free but only steel parts may be used.

Oil radiators for the gearbox and the differential, as well as a system for circulating the oil without generating pressure, are authorised. The original gearbox and differential housings may be equipped with two (2) oil circuit connections. The sole purpose of these orifices must be to connect the outflow and inflow lines of the oil circuit.

The gearshift control is free; sequential gearboxes are prohibited.

Modifications to the bodywork for the passage of the new gearshift control are authorised only if they are not at variance with other points of these regulations.

Gear changes must be made mechanically. The gearbox selection grid and the position of the gear lever must be those homologated.

8.1.1 Ratios

The original ratios must be kept as far as the 2^nd decimal point, rounded up or down following the arithmetic rule (1.044=1.04, 1.045=1.05) in relation to the 3^rd decimal point, with a tolerance of + or - 3%.

e.g. 1.044=1.04+/-3% and 1.045=1.05+/-3%

In addition to the previous paragraph, the manufacturer may homologate, one time only per homologation form number, a series of five additional forward gears (ratio and number of teeth), with or without synchronisation.

8.2. Clutch:

The clutch disc is free, with the exception of the number. Carbon discs are prohibited.

The automatic clutch or the pressure assembly is free, provided that the following points are not modified:

- original type;

- operating principle;

- original spring type;

- external diameter of the pressure plate;

- fixation of the pressure assembly on the flywheel.

The clutch cable is free.

An automatic tightening device on the clutch control may be replaced by a mechanical device and vice-versa.

The clutch stop is free.

8.3. Differential:

Only the homologated final drive ratios are authorised.

The manufacturer may submit an application to the FIA to obtain, besides the series final assembly, the homologation of a maximum of four (4) additional final drive ratios, to be revised annually.

Apart from this condition, the design (material and type of teeth) of the gears is free.

A mechanical limited slip differential, in the original differential housing, is free.

An original anti-wheel spin control system must be rendered inoperative by the removal of its control unit.

8.4. Drive shafts:

The drive shafts between the differential and the wheel are free provided that the original homocinetic joints, on the wheel side, are retained.

8.5. Traction control:

All forms of traction control are prohibited.

All sensors on the wheels, drive shafts and differential are prohibited.

9) SUSPENSION

9.1. Front running gear:

The joints may be of a different material from the original ones (e.g. harder silent blocks, aluminium, Uniball joints, etc.).

The position of the rotational axis of the pivot points may be moved by a maximum of 20 mm in relation to the original position of the rotational axis.

The original suspension part may not undergo any modifications, with the exception of the making of circular grooves for the fitting of stops.

This means that, after removing the new joint of the suspension part, an original suspension joint can be fitted and the suspension part may operate as originally intended.

The suspension ball-and-socket joints situated on the arms at the lower triangle on the wheel side may be freely replaced, provided that the fixation points on the arms are not modified. The position of the new rotational point may be moved by a maximum of 20 mm, following all the axes in relation to the initial rotational point.

The steering rods and steering joints are free but must be made from ferrous material.

The upper joints of McPherson suspension parts of the front running gear are free provided that the original mounting points, on the bodyshell side, are retained and that the adjustment of the mounting point of the suspension part involves a maximum displacement of 20 mm following all the axes.

This means that the upper joints, adjustable or non-adjustable, may assume an eccentric position of a maximum of 20 mm in relation to the original articulation point.

Modifications to the bodyshell are not authorised, but three (3) holes of a maximum diameter of 10.5 mm may be bored in the upper bell housing of the shock absorber for the mounting of the upper joint support if, in the original bell housing, there are no, or not as many, fixation holes.

If an original McPherson part is bolted on to the wheel uprights, the wheel camber of the front running gear may be adjusted by this bolted connection.

Holes for the mounting of suspension parts may be made at the anchorage points of the bodyshell, of the cradle or the front cross member, if these are original parts.

In relation to the original articulation points, these holes must be situated at a maximum distance of 10 mm at right angles to and parallel to the transversal axis of the vehicle.

9.2. Rear running gear:

The joints may be of a different material from the original ones (e.g. harder silent blocks, aluminium, Uniball joints, etc.).

New mounting and rotational points must be situated at a maximum of 20 mm from the original mounting and rotational points.

The original suspension part may not undergo any modifications, with the exception of the making of circular grooves for the fitting of stops.

9.2.1 - Multi-Link rear suspension:

Holes for the mounting of suspension parts may be made at the anchorage points of the bodyshell, the cradle or the rear cross member, if these are original parts.

In relation to the original articulation points, these holes must be situated at a maximum distance of 10 mm at right angles to and parallel to the transversal axis of the vehicle.

9.2.2 - Single-Link rear suspension:

The original suspension parts may be modified in order to allow the adjustment of the camber and the pinching even through the addition of material.

The combination and the standard fitting of the spring and of the shock absorber, as well as the original distance between the rotational axis of the running gear and the central axis of the wheel upright, may not be modified.

9.2.3 - Rear running gear - General:

Any other modifications to the bodyshell, apart from those modifications authorised to the rear running gear, are prohibited.

9.3. Other Provisions:

9.3.1 - Geometry:

The geometry of the running gear is free within the limits of the original adjustment possibilities set out in these regulations.

9.3.2 - Stabilisers:

The original stabilisers may be replaced by stabilisers of free design, but they must remain in their original position (ahead of the front wheel centre line, behind the rear wheel centre line).

9.3.3 - Track:

The tracks are free. Track extenders may be used in conformity with the FIA Appendix J and with the Article of these regulations relating to "Wheels and Tyres".

9.3.4 - Reinforcements:

Strengthening of the suspension parts and the suspension mounting points through the addition of material is allowed.

9.3.5 - Wheel bearing:

The wheel bearings may be replaced by strengthened bearings of the same type and inside diameter as the original ones.

In order to enable the fitting of larger bearings, the bore of the bearing cages may be increased by a maximum of 3 mm.

In all other respects they are free, provided that they comply with Article 2.8.1.

9.3.6 - Silent block - Articulation:

The silent blocks for the mounting of the cradles and/or the cross members may be of a different material from the original (e.g. harder silent blocks, aluminium, nylon rings) as long as the position of the cradle and/or cross members in relation to the bodyshell remains identical to that of the original following the three (3) axes of reference.

The cradles and/or cross members, the bodyshell and the original mounting points may in no way be modified by this action.

The original suspension part may not undergo any modifications, with the exception of the making of circular grooves for the fitting of stops.

This means that once the free mounting parts have been removed, the original mounting parts (for example the original silent blocks) may be refitted and that the cradles and/or cross members may then be remounted on the chassis or the bodyshell in their original locations and resume their original position.

3.7 - Suspension travel limiter:

A strap or cable for limiting the suspension travel may be affixed to each suspension. To this end, holes of a maximum diameter of 8.5 mm may be bored on the bodyshell side and on the suspension side.

9.4. Springs:

9.4.1 - Coil springs:

Coil springs are free, provided that they fulfil the following conditions. Their number is free, provided that they are mounted in line with one another and that their type corresponds to the original type of spring.

The shape, dimensions and material of the spring seats are free. The spring seats may be made adjustable if the adjustable part forms part of the seats and is distinct from the other original parts of the suspension and the chassis (it may be removed).

Modifications to the bodyshell are not authorised, but three (3) holes of a maximum diameter of 10.5 mm may be bored in the upper bell housing of the shock absorber for the mounting of the upper joint support, if there are no, or fewer than three (3), fixation holes.

9.4.2 - Leaf springs:

The length, width, thickness and vertical curve are free.

9.4.3 - Torsion bars:

The torsion bars may be replaced with steel bars. The diameter of the bars may exceed the original diameter, but if it is smaller, it must not be smaller than 20% of the homologated diameter.

9.4.4 - Miscellaneous:

Parts for preventing the springs from moving in relation to their mounting points are authorised.

9.5. Shock absorbers:

Free, provided that their number, their type (telescopic, arm, etc.), their working principle (hydraulic, friction, mixed, etc.) and their attachment points remain unchanged.

Gas-filled dampers will be considered as hydraulic dampers. The damper tanks may be attached on to the unmodified shell of the car, provided that this does not result in modifications which are not authorised by these regulations.

If, in order to change the damping element of a McPherson suspension, or a suspension operating in an identical manner, it is necessary to replace the entire McPherson strut, the replacement parts must be mechanically equivalent to the original ones and have the same mounting points.

In the case of a McPherson suspension, the shape, dimensions and material of the spring seats are free and they may be adjustable.

In the case of an oil-pneumatic suspension, the spheres may be changed as regards their dimension, shape and material, but not their number.

A tap, adjustable from the outside of the car, may be fitted on the spheres.

9.6. Reinforcement:

Reinforcement bars may be fitted on the suspension mounting points to the bodyshell or chassis of the same axle, on each side of the car's longitudinal axis, provided that they are removable and that they are bolted to the bodyshell or chassis.

The distance between a suspension attachment point and an anchorage point of the bar cannot be more than 100 mm, unless the bar is a transversal strut homologated with the rollbar, or unless it is an upper bar attached to a McPherson suspension or similar. In the latter case, the maximum distance between an anchorage point of the bar and the upper articulation point will be 150 mm (drawings 255.4 and 255.2).

For the fixation of a transversal strut between two upper points of the bodyshell, a maximum of three (3) holes on each side, of a maximum diameter of 10.5 mm, will be authorised.

The mounting rings of the upper transversal struts may be welded to the bodyshell.

Apart from these points, the upper bar must not be mounted on the bodyshell or the mechanical parts.

10) WHEELS AND TYRES

10.1. Complete wheel:

The maximum dimensions of the wheels (rims + flanges) are 7" x 15" and their weight must not be less than 5 kg.

The complete wheel inflated to a pressure of 2 bars must fit into a box of a diameter of 580 mm and a thickness of 223 mm.

In all other respects the wheels are free provided that they are made of metal and that they are made in a single unit.

Wheel fixations by bolts may be freely changed to fixations by pins and nuts provided that the number of fixation points and the diameter of the threaded parts remain unchanged.

The fitting of air extractors on the wheels is prohibited.

The upper part of the of the complete wheel (flange + rim + tyre), located vertically over the wheel hub centre, must be covered by the bodywork when measured vertically.

Foam or any other system enabling the car to be driven without air in the tyres is prohibited.

All pressure regulations systems are prohibited.

10.2. Spare wheel

It is forbidden to carry a spare wheel on board.

11) GROUND CLEARANCE

No part of the car, with the exception of the rims or tyres, must touch the ground when all the tyres situated on the same side of the car are deflated.

In order to check this point, the air valves of the tyres on the same side of the car will be removed.

This test shall be carried out on a flat surface.

12) BRAKES

The front brakes are free, provided that they are mounted on the fixation points of the original brakes and that they comply with the following prescriptions:

- only the original master cylinder or possibly two master cylinders in parallel are authorised;

- if it is different from the original, the complete front and rear braking system, including the master cylinder, must be homologated, without a production minimum, by the FIA;

- the maximum number of pistons per wheel is four (4);

- the maximum diameter of the brake disc is 296.5 mm;

- the brake discs must be made from ferrous metallic material.

The rear brake calipers may be replaced but must not have more than two pistons per wheel.

All parts of the brake calipers must be made from aluminium materials with a modulus of elasticity no greater than 75 Gpa. The internal parts of the brake calipers may be made from titanium.

The following prescriptions apply to the complete braking system:

- the brake lines and their fitting method are free;

- a brake proportioning device between the front and the rear is authorised;

- the original handbrake may be removed or replaced by a manual hydraulic valve operated by the driver;

- if, in its original version, a car is equipped with servo brakes, this device may be disconnected or removed, but the master cylinder and/or the pedal box must remain in their original compartment;

- if, in its original version, a car is equipped with an anti-lock braking system, the control unit must be removed. Moreover, all the parts of the anti-lock system must be removed, provided that the prescriptions of Article 253.4 of Appendix J are respected;

- the location of the brake lines is free provided that the prescriptions of Article 253.3 of Appendix J are respected. The brake lines may be replaced by aircraft-quality lines. The connection of the dual braking circuit is free;

- for each brake, one cooling line with a maximum internal diameter of 10 cm is allowed. This diameter must be maintained over at least 2/3 of the distance between its entrance and exit;

- only the following mounting points are authorised for the fixation of the lines to bring the cooling air to the brakes:

. original apertures in the bodywork, e.g. for fog lamps, may be used to bring the cooling air to the brakes;

. the connection of the air lines to the original apertures in the bodywork is free provided that these apertures remain unchanged;

. if the car does not have any original apertures, two (2) circular apertures of a maximum diameter of 10 cm may be made in the front bumper;

. the disc protection plates may be removed or their shape modified.

13) BODYWORK

13.1. Exterior:

Only the aerodynamic elements homologated on the vehicle produced in 2500 units, securely fixed to the car and authorised for road use, are allowed.

Wheel embellishers must be removed.

It is permitted to fold back the steel edges or reduce the plastic edges of the wings if they protrude inside the wheel housing.

The plastic sound-proofing parts may be removed from the interior of the wheel arches.

These elements made from synthetic materials may be changed for aluminium elements of the same shape.

The sound-proofing material or the material for the prevention of corrosion may be removed.

The removal of external decorative strips, following the contour of the car and less than 25 mm high, is authorised. Decorative strips more than 25 mm high may only be removed near the areas reserved for the competition numbers.

The bumper mountings as free as long as the bodywork and the shape and position of the bumpers remain unchanged. The original apertures in the bodywork (e.g. for fog lamps) may be used for the passage of the cooling air.

The connection of the air lines to the original apertures in the bodywork is free as long as these apertures remain unchanged. The fitting of underbody protection is prohibited.

Pneumatic jacks are authorised.

The windscreen wiper blades may be replaced by others.

The cars must have an external rear-view mirror on the left hand side and on the right hand side. Their shape is free but each mirror must have a reflecting surface of at least 90 cm², able to enclose a 6 cm-sided square.

Strengthening of the sprung parts of the chassis and bodywork is allowed provided that the material used follows the original shape and is in continuous contact with it.

The above strengthening of the sprung parts authorises for example the reinforcement of the bodywork by welding or by the addition of material. A second suspension bell housing may for example be placed above and soldered to the original, provided that it follows the original shape and that it is in contact with it.

The term 'suspended parts' means all the parts dampened by the wheel suspension, in other words all parts situated within the rotational points and axes of the suspension parts.

The side and rear windows, as well as the rear-view mirrors, may be covered with a safety film in order to avoid the shattering and spraying of glass in the event of an accident (specifications: SL Lumar Safety Film / D5170).

13.2. Cockpit:

The passenger seat and the rear seat(s) must be removed.

The removal of any insulating or sound-proofing material, as well as of the original safety belts and carpeting, is authorised.

Neither the front and rear door panels nor the rear side panels may be removed.

These may be the original ones or be made from metal sheeting at least 0.5 mm thick, from carbon fibre at least 1 mm thick or from another solid and non-combustible material at least 2 mm thick. The panels must totally cover the door, its handles, locks and window winding mechanisms.

It is permitted to replace electric winders with manual ones. The rear window winders are free. It is permitted to replace a rear electric window winder in a two-door car with a mechanical one, or to replace a swivelling rear window with a fixed one, if it is available as an original part.

Additional accessories which have no effect on the car's behaviour, such as those which render the interior of the car more aesthetic or comfortable, (lighting, heating, radio, etc.) are authorised provided that they do not influence, even in a secondary manner, the performance of the engine, steering, transmission, brakes or road-holding.

The original air-conditioning system may be removed.

Left-hand drive versions and right-hand drive versions are authorised, provided that the original car and the modified car are mechanically equivalent and that the function of the parts remains identical to that defined by the manufacturer.

Unused supports situated only on the floor may be removed.

All the driving control parts must be those supplied by the manufacturer. These may be adapted in order to facilitate their use or accessibility; for example, the fitting of an extension to the handbrake lever or the widening of the brake pedal.

The following parts are authorised:

- the horn is free;

- the seat supports may be modified in accordance with Article 253.16 of Appendix J. Seat covers, including those creating bucket seats, are free;

- the steering wheel is free, but it must be closed. The locking system of the anti-theft device must be rendered inoperative;

- A removable steering wheel is recommended.

13.3. Dashboard:

The trimmings situated below the dashboard and which are not a part of it may be removed.

It is permitted to remove the part of the centre console which contains neither the heating nor the instruments (see drawing 255.7).

The instruments are free. However, the installation should not present any risk.

13.4. Luggage and engine compartments:

The sound-proofing materials and trim in the luggage compartment may be removed.

The sound-proofing materials of the engine cover and the decorative materials surrounding the engine may be removed.

Unused battery and spare wheel supports may be removed if they are not welded to the bodyshell.

14) ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

14.1. Cables

The electric cable assembly of the engine is free.

The other electric cable assemblies are free provided that they respect the following conditions.

14.2. Battery:

The make and capacity of the battery(ies) are free.

It must be possible at all times to start the engine with the energy of the battery transported on board the vehicle.

Each battery must be securely affixed and covered in such as way as to avoid any short circuiting or leaks.

The number of batteries laid down by the manufacturer must be retained.

Should the battery be moved from its original position, it must be attached to the body using a metal seat and two metal clamps with an insulating covering, fixed to the floor by bolts and nuts.

For attaching these clamps, bolts with a diameter of at least 10 mm must be used, and under each bolt, a counterplate at least 3 mm thick and with a surface of at least 20 cm² beneath the metal of the bodywork.

The battery must be covered by a leak-proof plastic box, attached independently of the battery. Its location is free; however, if in the cockpit it will only be possible behind the front seats. In this case, the protection box must include an air intake with its exit outside the cockpit (see drawings 255.10 and 255.11).

If the battery situated in the cockpit is a dry battery, it must be protected electrically by a lid which covers it completely.

Any energy-recuperating system other than that provided by the engine is prohibited.

14.3. Voltage generator:

A more powerful voltage generator may be fitted.

14.4. Lighting:

The original lighting system must be retained, with the exception of the fog lamps, and must be operational at all times during a meeting. The headlights must have a road homologation for all countries (ECE, DOT, etc.).

The upper and lower edges of the headlights may be covered by adhesive tape.

However, a strip of at least 4 cm following a plane parallel to the transversal axis of the car and symmetrical in relation to the centre of the bulb must remain free over the entire width of the headlight.

The fog lamps may be removed.

The apertures may be used in accordance with Articles 10 and 11. If this is not the case, they must be hermetically sealed.

A reversing light may be fitted provided that it will only switch on when the reverse gear is engaged and that the laws in force in this respect are observed.

14.5. Fuses:

Fuses may be added to the electrical circuit.

The fuse box may be moved or removed.

15.1. Petrol tank:

Only FT3 petrol tanks meeting the FIA specifications are authorised. It is recommended that the FT3 tank be filled with MIL-B-83054 or D-Stop type safety foam.

They must be placed in the luggage compartment or in their original location.

The original petrol tank must be removed.

Changes of the position of the tanks may not give rise to any lightening or reinforcement other than as provided for under Article 5.7.1 of the FIA prescriptions, but the opening remaining after the removal of the original tank may be closed by the installation of a panel.

The car may only be refuelled from the outside.

The location of the filler holes is free, apart from in the window panels, and they must not protrude beyond the perimeter of the bodywork.

If the filler hole is not used, it must be sealed.

An original carbon filter in the tank air vent, as well as its control unit, may be removed.

An auxiliary tank of a maximum capacity of one litre is authorised. It must be situated such that it does not affect the safety of the vehicle in any way.

The total capacity of all the tanks may not exceed 100 litres.

The connections between the filler holes and the tank ventilation holes must be shielded by a fire-proof and liquid-proof protective device.

If the petrol tank is located in the luggage compartment of a car with a tailgate, the tank must be shielded by a fire-proof and liquid-proof protective device.

If the original tank is replaced with an FT3 tank, the new assembly must not generate an aerodynamic surface or protrude further below the vehicle than the original tank.

In all cases, there must be a fire-proof and liquid-proof bulkhead between the cockpit and the luggage compartment.

15.2. Petrol lines:

The petrol lines must be of aviation quality.

The installation of petrol lines is free provided that the prescriptions of Article 253.3 of Appendix J are respected.

15.3. Petrol pumps:

Free; three others petrol pumps in addition to the number homologated are authorised.

The pumps must be separated from the cockpit by a fire-proof and liquid-proof protective device.

16) ICE

The transporting and/or use of natural or chemical ice, whether inside or outside the car, is prohibited throughout the entire duration of the meeting.

17) TELEMETRY

All forms of data transmission from the moving car are forbidden, apart from two-way radio communication.

Impulse generators giving information on timing are authorised, provided that they are separate parts which have no connection with the control of the engine.

An on-board data recording system, without an accelerometer, is authorised.

18) LANGUAGE