As in other race series, comprehensive and detailed regulations ensure that the same conditions apply to all participants taking part in the races. Here are the most important points:

The vehicles

Any modifications to the racing cars compared with standard models may only be carried out if expressly permitted by FIA regulations. The external appearance of the car may not be changed. For example, the wings must be the same as on series production cars. However, clutch disc, brake pads and tank may be modified. On the chassis, teams may also replace suspension and shock absorbers, for example. Components that have no influence on handling performance, for example, steering wheel or lights, may likewise be modified. Use of four-wheel drive is not allowed; electronic driving aids such as ABS or ESP are likewise not allowed. Minimum weight for a front-wheel drive vehicle is 1140 kg. Rear-wheel drive vehicles must weigh 30 kg more than this.

The engines

2-litre engines are used, with the maximum engine speed limited according to the number of cylinders:

• 4 cylinder engines - 8500 maximum rpm.
• 5 cylinder engines - 8750 maximum rpm.
• 6 cylinder engines - 9000 maximum rpm.

The engines must last for four consecutive race weekends (i.e. 8 races!) without being changed. If the engine does not last that long, the vehicle concerned must start at the back of the grid, and in subsequent races starts ten places behind.

The tyres

Standard tyres made by the tyre manufacturer Yokohama have to be used. The number of sets of tyres that can be used during each race weekend is strictly limited. This only applies to dry-weather tyres. There is no upper limit to the number of sets of wet-weather tyres that can be used.

Handicap weights

Handicap weights are used for the Championships to ensure exciting races. The best drivers of any one race weekend have to add a handicap weight for the next event. There are additional weights for Championship points won. There is an upper limit to these handicap weights, which are officially called "success ballast".

The points

Points are awarded, as in Formula 1, for the first eight places:

• Ist place: 10 points
• 2nd place: 8 points
• 3rd place: 6 points
• 4th place: 5 points
• 5th place: 4 points
• 6th place: 3 points
• 7th place: 2 points
• 8th place: 1 point

The Manufacturers Championship is won by the manufacturer that has the two drivers who win the most points, with these points added together to clinch the title. There is also an Independents Trophy in which independent teams compete against each other for their own prize money.

The start

There are different starting procedures for both races in an event. In the 1st race, there is a flying start. Here, a safety car guides the field through the warm-up lap at 80 kph. At the end of the warm-up lap, the safety car turns into the pits. The lead car then sets the speed. Passing is only allowed when the official starting signal has been given. In the 2nd race, the cars go onto the track in a Grand Prix start like in the Formula 1 races. After the warm-up lap, the cars drive to the starting position. The race begins when the starting traffic light goes out.

The complete official regulations are on the FIA website.