2026 Touring Car Thread - BTCC, TCR, and more.Touring Cars

[05XR8]

Don't think Toyota even sell anything saloon-shaped any more.

It’s still sold here in Australia and TGR Argentina had built them for TCR South America. Look like they don’t compete any longer.

 

[MagpieRacer]

It's a shame Toyota and Speedworks/MB are ruining things by still using a Corolla hatchback. We could've had a whole saloon(ish) grid.

They'll be a big threat at the front though, as one of them more developed/understood cars along with the Hyundai and the BMW, that must count for something against a plethora of new cars and a new team.

It’s still sold here in Australia and TGR Argentina had built them for TCR South America. Look like they don’t compete any longer.

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From next year, this would be entirely feasible under the new homologation rules. NAPA Racing got a special dispensation to run the Focus Saloon a swear early I believe.

 

[05XR8]

I like that these look more streamlined than extending the wheels past the body. The hatchbacks still have that TCR overfenders look.

 

[Fezzik]

Audi saloons look awesome.

The first few times I saw that car in the testing pics I kept thinking it was a BMW because of the sponsor. Does look very nice.

 

[Fezzik]

TCR UK grid

 

[05XR8]

At least TCR outside of mainland Europe are doing okay. Wonder how long they can keep the formula with these body styles going?

 

[05XR8]

I think someone posted the first video.

 

[Roo]

If you're in the south of the UK and have the day off tomorrow, the final BTCC pre-season test is from 10am to 5pm at Brands Hatch and entry is free.

 

[ro_har_]

Charles Rainford Stays With WSR For BTCC Title Assault In 2026 • BTCC

WSR are very pleased to announce Charles Rainford as the team’s first confirmed driver for the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship in 2026.

btcc.net

Jack Sears Trophy Champion Daryl De Leon Continues With WSR For BTCC Title Challenge In 2026 • BTCC

WSR are very pleased to announce reigning Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship Jack Sears Trophy title winner Daryl De Leon as the team’s second

btcc.net

Nicolas Hamilton Joins Forces With Draper Tools For BTCC Programme • BTCC

Nicolas Hamilton will take on his most exciting programme in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship to date in 2026 after agreeing a deal to join

btcc.net

 

[MagpieRacer]

 

[Fezzik]

Plato Racing Showcase Striking Livery Ahead Of Debut BTCC Season • BTCC

Plato Racing has today (7 April) taken the covers off its two Mercedes-AMG A35 Saloons to reveal the livery that will be carried by Daniel Rowbottom and Adam

btcc.net

 

[05XR8]

Do they serve or are they going to start serving wine at the races? Geez, very high class.

 

[MagpieRacer]

Plato Racing Showcase Striking Livery Ahead Of Debut BTCC Season • BTCC

Plato Racing has today (7 April) taken the covers off its two Mercedes-AMG A35 Saloons to reveal the livery that will be carried by Daniel Rowbottom and Adam

btcc.net

Oooo, that is very, very classy.

 

[Michelin Man]

Plato Racing Showcase Striking Livery Ahead Of Debut BTCC Season • BTCC

Plato Racing has today (7 April) taken the covers off its two Mercedes-AMG A35 Saloons to reveal the livery that will be carried by Daniel Rowbottom and Adam

btcc.net

Very cool and classy indeed. In some respects the design itself reminds me of the Vectras and early Astra Coupes, but purple instead of red.

 

[Fezzik]

WSR livery for BTCC 2026. Much like the rather plain Speedworks Corollas, it’s clear some of the teams are really struggling for sponsors. A lot of family money making up the budgets, even more than usual.

Ricky Collard returns to BTCC. I think that’s the grid complete unless WSR find funding for car 3.

BRITISH GT CHAMPION RICKY COLLARD MAKES TOURING CAR RETURN TO COMPLETE TEAM VERTU LINE-UP - EXCELR8 Motorsport

Ricky Collard will make a return to the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship for the 2026 season after being named as the final member of the Team VERTU line-up.

www.excelr8motorsport.com

 

[05XR8]

They should at least have BMW Motorsport colours/flag motif if sponsors are hard to come by.

 

[Fezzik]

I’m excited to see the new Audis and Mercs in action, and to see what Nic Hamilton can do in a non-back marker machine.

 

[05XR8]

I was waiting for that pic. Need more saloons.

 

[bliprunner]

Greetings from Brands… it’s hot!

 

[Fezzik]

Final entry list

https://btcc.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026_BTCC-Entry_List_Final.pdf

Cataclean Plato entered as a manufacturer (even with no actual Mercedes support as confirmed by JP), going straight away against the big boys. WSR now an independent, that should be a good fight for the title vs MB/Power Maxed/Restart.

 

[Roo]

Greetings from Brands… it’s hot!
View attachment 1527903

Snap!

The JP Mercs look as good in person as they do in photos. They gave me 2007 Force India test livery vibes until I actually looked up the F1 car...

 

[bliprunner]

Snap!

View attachment 1527971

The JP Mercs look as good in person as they do in photos. They gave me 2007 Force India test livery vibes until I actually looked up the F1 car...

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Thanks for the heads up about yesterday! A lot of people there just for a test, even if free, you'd have to think BTCC is in an OK place at the moment, maybe JP's return is having some effect!

 

[bliprunner]

Here are my slightly more amateur pics from yesterday....

Spoiler: View pics

Not sure about the purple but nice to have JP and some Mercs...

A few people in the pit lane...

I think it might be a "Corolla"...

Stay safe...

My boy obstructing the view...

Lucky 7...

Some bloke...

Some sitting down blokes...

Nic's car before it went in the barriers...

Hot tarmac and a very busy pit lane...

 

[Fezzik]

Here are my slightly more amateur pics from yesterday....

Spoiler: View pics

Not sure about the purple but nice to have JP and some Mercs...

View attachment 1528148

A few people in the pit lane...

View attachment 1528150

I think it might be a "Corolla"...

View attachment 1528151

Stay safe...

View attachment 1528153

My boy obstructing the view...

View attachment 1528155

Lucky 7...

View attachment 1528156

Some bloke...

View attachment 1528157

Some sitting down blokes...

View attachment 1528158

Nic's car before it went in the barriers...

View attachment 1528159

Hot tarmac and a very busy pit lane...

View attachment 1528161

Great pics. I think the purple on the Mercs looks fantastic.

 

[05XR8]

132K views · 2.9K reactions | We might be a bit biased, but those A35s look right at home on track! 😍🙌 #PlatoRacing #BTCC | Plato.Racing

We might be a bit biased, but those A35s look right at home on track! 😍🙌 #PlatoRacing #BTCC

www.facebook.com

 

[Roo]

On closer inspection...

View attachment 1528156

Ah, apologies, if I'd known you were behind me taking a photo I would've taken a step to the right - I was trying to keep tabs on second-born nephew at the time

 

[bliprunner]

On closer inspection...



Ah, apologies, if I'd known you were behind me taking a photo I would've taken a step to the right - I was trying to keep tabs on second-born nephew at the time

Ha, guess I have to pay you a royalty fee now…

 

[jus1029]

Returning to TCR programming here:

TCR allows three-door cars and 2.5-litre engines from 2026

WSC, the TCR rights holder, has announced changes to the technical criterias for eligible car models for 2026. Having previously had a maximum engine capacit

www.touringcartimes.com

 

[05XR8]

🤔

Do I needs to bring back the old MARC CARS/Global Touring Cars formula? They ran the Mazda3, Focus, 1-Series, 2-Series, S3, Golf, Corolla.

 

[05XR8]