Significant changes to the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) qualifying format for 2026 have sparked intense debate among fans and commentators. The hosts express their concerns, labeling the new system as potentially the worst shake-up in decades, reminiscent of the 1999 exodus. They discuss the implications of reverse grids, ballast adjustments, and the introduction of a qualifying sprint race, questioning the impact on driver strategy and championship integrity. With notable team changes and driver movements on the horizon, the episode dives deep into the future of BTCC amidst growing skepticism.
"of pictures released within those articles and suggestions are that the car that they could be running for the 2026 season may well be a Mercedes A-class. Quite possibly. We don't know for sure. What we do know for sure is that he is teaming"
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a small, fancy car made by a well-known brand. It's popular because it looks good and has a lot of cool features inside. People are talking about it possibly being used in racing, which shows how versatile it can be.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a compact luxury hatchback that represents the entry point into the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Known for its stylish design, advanced technology, and premium features, it has gained popularity among younger buyers looking for a combination of performance and luxury. The mention of the A-Class in the context of a racing season suggests its potential use as a base for a competitive vehicle.
"...he is teaming up once again with RML, who he did the Chevrolets with back in the day..."
RML is a company from the UK that works in motorsports and car engineering. They help teams build and improve race cars, making them faster and more competitive.
RML is a British motorsport and engineering company known for its work in various racing series and for developing performance vehicles. They have a history of collaborating with manufacturers to create competitive racing cars.
"Yeah, they've moved to a Toyota, which if you look back at the 2025 season seems absolutely bizarre... run two Toyota Corollas for next season."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that is very popular because it's reliable and saves gas. Many people around the world drive it, and it’s also used in racing.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It has been one of the best-selling cars worldwide for many years and is often used in various motorsport events.
"...perhaps be phasing themselves out of the touring cars and going into endurance and GT racing..."
Endurance racing is a type of car racing where drivers race for a long time, sometimes for hours. It’s about how well the car can last and how well the drivers can handle the long race.
Endurance racing is a form of motorsport where teams compete over a long duration, often lasting several hours or even days. It tests the durability of both the cars and the drivers' stamina.
"...going into endurance and GT racing, particularly given that they've got two drivers..."
GT racing is a type of car racing that uses sports cars designed for both speed and comfort. These races often last longer and involve more strategy than regular races.
GT racing refers to a category of motorsport where teams race grand tourer cars, which are designed for high performance and long-distance driving. This type of racing emphasizes speed and handling.
"...the Carrera scholarship scheme that they go through. Callan Voicin has won that..."
The Carrera scholarship scheme is a program by Porsche that helps young drivers get better at racing. It offers training and chances to race in competitions.
The Carrera scholarship scheme is a program designed by Porsche to support and develop young racing drivers. It provides training and opportunities to compete in various racing events.
"and once they had that M Sport engine brought into that unit, you could kind of see some of that competitiveness come back. In my mind, I think they're probably going to run that going forward..."
BMW M Sport models are special versions of regular BMW cars that are made to be faster and more fun to drive. They have better engines and sportier designs.
The BMW M Sport refers to performance-oriented variants of BMW vehicles that feature enhancements in power, handling, and aesthetics. These models are designed to provide a sportier driving experience compared to standard BMW models.
"...ing the Cupra. We know PMR have had to change the Astra and they're going to be running Audi. So I think..."
The Opel Astra is a small car that many people in Europe drive. It's known for being comfortable and good on gas, making it a practical choice for everyday use. It's being talked about in racing, which shows it can be modified to perform better on the track.
The Opel Astra is a compact car that has been a staple in the European automotive market since its introduction in the 1990s. Known for its practicality, comfort, and efficiency, the Astra is often praised for its balanced handling and spacious interior. The mention of the Astra in the context of racing indicates its adaptability and the modifications that can be made for competitive purposes.
"...PMR have had to change the Astra and they're going to be running Audi. So I think that would make the Corolla the oldest car on the grid..."
The Vauxhall Astra is a small car that many people in Europe like to drive. It's comfortable and has good fuel economy, making it a smart choice for everyday use.
The Vauxhall Astra is a compact car that has been popular in Europe for its practicality and performance. It is known for its comfortable ride and a range of efficient engines, making it a common choice for families and individuals alike.
"...that possibly unlimited has been offered the Napa forward focuses. And then there are further rumors on from that as to what Napa will be running..."
The Ford Focus is a small car that many people enjoy driving because it handles well and has modern features. It's a good option for those who want something fun and practical.
The Ford Focus is a compact car known for its sporty handling and technology features. It has been a popular choice for drivers looking for a balance of performance, comfort, and efficiency.
"...from my understanding, it looks like because they're going to be a satellite team, they'll be running in possibly an independent outfit..."
A satellite team is a smaller racing team that gets help from a bigger team. They might use the same cars or parts, which helps them race better.
A satellite team in motorsport refers to a team that operates under the umbrella of a larger, more established team, often using the same resources or technology. This allows them to compete at a higher level than they could independently.
"There is no suggestion at the moment that Park Fermi will be lifted. So I'm assuming that all the cars will be in Park Fermi condition."
Park Fermi is a rule in racing that keeps cars in the same condition after qualifying or a race. It stops teams from making big changes to their cars, so everyone competes fairly.
Park Fermi is a state in motorsport where cars are held after qualifying or a race, preventing teams from making significant changes. This ensures that the cars remain in the same condition as they finished the session, promoting fairness in competition.
"Yeah. I mean, they can't make any substantial change to Aero or anything like that."
Aero is about how air moves around a car. In racing, it's important because good aerodynamics can help a car go faster and stay stable on the track.
Aero, short for aerodynamics, refers to how air flows around a vehicle. In racing, optimizing aero is crucial for performance, as it affects speed, stability, and fuel efficiency.
"qualifying race distance to be approximately 15 minutes in duration set in advance to the nearest lap count at each particular circuit."
A qualifying race is a short race that helps decide where drivers will start in the main race. The faster you go, the better your starting position will be.
A qualifying race is a short event that determines the starting positions for the main race. Drivers compete to set the fastest lap times, which influences their placement on the grid for the actual race.
"Only that event standard dry slick tire and or wet tire may be used throughout the official qualifying session."
A dry slick tire is a smooth tire used in racing when the track is dry. It helps cars grip the road better and go faster, but it can't be used on wet surfaces.
A dry slick tire is a type of tire used in racing that has no tread and is designed for maximum grip on dry surfaces. These tires provide the best performance in dry conditions but are not suitable for wet tracks.
"Only that event standard dry slick tire and or wet tire may be used throughout the official qualifying session."
A wet tire is a type of tire made for driving in the rain. It has special grooves that help it grip the road better when it's wet, preventing the car from sliding.
A wet tire is specifically designed for use in rainy conditions. It features tread patterns that help channel water away from the tire, improving grip and reducing the risk of hydroplaning on wet surfaces.
"there is no strategy in F1 anymore because they're all one-stop races."
One-stop races mean that drivers only need to stop once during the race to change tires. This can change how the race is run and how fast the cars go.
One-stop races in Formula 1 refer to races where drivers only make one pit stop during the event. This strategy can affect tire management and overall race pace.
"But without having a pit stop, you get a bit of hard racing on the circuit without having the strategy."
A pit stop is when a race car stops during the race to change tires or get fuel. It's a crucial part of racing strategy.
A pit stop is a pause during a race where a car stops at the pit area for refueling, tire changes, or repairs. Effective pit stops can significantly influence race outcomes.
Pole position is the first spot on the starting line for a race. The driver who qualifies fastest gets this spot, which helps them start the race ahead of others.
Pole position refers to the starting position at the front of the grid for the driver who qualifies fastest in a race. It is a significant advantage as it allows for a clear track at the start.
"...I think there's a real skill to qualifying. I think that it's one lap pace. One lap pace. I think you, again, could bring an F1..."
One lap pace is how fast a driver can go in just one lap. It's important for qualifying because it helps determine where they start in the race, but it might be different from how fast they can go during the whole race.
One lap pace refers to a driver's ability to achieve a fast lap time during a single lap, which is particularly important in qualifying sessions. It can differ from a driver's overall race pace, which may be slower due to factors like tire wear and fuel load.
"Yeah. I can kind of see why F1 want to shake it up with the sprint tracks, especially when they have only those six throughout the whole season. It doesn't actually take up that many of the races."
Formula 1 is a top-level car racing series where teams compete in fast cars on different tracks. It's famous for its exciting races and cutting-edge technology.
Formula 1 (F1) is a premier international auto racing sport known for its high-speed races and advanced technology. It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world.
"I may give you a little bit of a flip and joke there of the hybrid. These things seem to come and go in British touring cars. Obviously, the hybrid is the next big thing."
A hybrid car uses both a regular gas engine and an electric motor. This helps save fuel and is better for the environment. Many racing cars are starting to use this technology too.
In automotive terms, a hybrid vehicle combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. This technology is increasingly being adopted in various racing series, including touring cars.
Select text to request an explanation
We've decided the best way for you to do this podcast is first part on a Tuesday, second
part on a Wednesday, then by Friday, it might all come together. This is the qualifying
analysis.
Hello, and welcome back to the British Touring Car Podcast. We've got a little bit of news
to update you with, but this is mainly going to be looking at the fairly substantial news,
I would say, that's come out regarding the change to qualify for 2026, a decision that
may well be the worst in BTCC modern era.
I think so. So obviously, we did a podcast a couple of weeks ago where the news first
broke, where we looked about what might happen. And I think it's fair to say all the fears
of what we thought might happen in that podcast have now come to pass.
We weren't keen at that point, and it's not got any better.
If anything, it's got worse.
Yes.
So I'm with you. I think this is honestly one of the worst things happened to the touring
cars since the exodus at the end of the 1999 season as we moved into the 2000s and the end
of the supertourers. And that's not normally something I say because I normally get quite
angry and people say, well, we need to go back to the 90s, but yeah, this has been terrible.
But we will do a bit of news first of all, because there has been some actual team news
to 2026 that's come out over the last couple of days, and it's not Jason Plato who seems
to have gone into hibernation mode and maybe we'll hear from him as probably as soon as
we finish this podcast, to be honest with you.
Yeah, he did release an article as part of auto sport. So there's a good look into what
the team is going to look like going forward into 2026.
Some of the personnel that he's managed to pick and choose and snatch from other teams,
particularly Alliance, yes, that could make for an interesting acquisition for him as
a team and possibly will help their development and go forwards. Now, there have been a couple
of pictures released within those articles and suggestions are that the car that they
could be running for the 2026 season may well be a Mercedes A-class.
Quite possibly. We don't know for sure. What we do know for sure is that he is teaming
up once again with RML, who he did the Chevrolets with back in the day, and RML have been in
the sport on and off for a long period of time, and it's certainly a partnership that
has borne fruit before. So I think that's it's great of RML back in the sport. I'm not
quite sure the last time they were in the top of my head, it might well have been the
Chevy. Do they continue after that?
Not because it became BMR after that thing, so it's good to then back in the sport be
interesting to see what they can bring together package wise for Plato and his new team. One
driver that was semi-linked with Plato is definitely not going to be there because we've had that
news announced today. But before we jump head to that, we need to take a step back to explain
the team who we're driving for.
Yeah, there's been a bit of a mix up on the grid going forward into 2026. Now, this season
2025, we've had laser tools running with obviously Jake Hill and the BMW. And we knew coming
up to the end of the season, Jake Hill would be moving on to do more international racing.
So then there were going to be question marks over, would MB motorsport with laser tools carry
on in the BMW for 2026? Would they do a two car lineup? Would they look to move to possibly
another team, another manufacturer or even just another car outright? And we've got an answer.
Yeah, they've moved to a Toyota, which if you look back at the 2025 season seems absolutely
bizarre.
It does. So obviously, they have decided to team up with Speedworks and run two Toyota
Corollas for next season. It looks as if the Toyota will be doing what they did in 24,
which is having two zoo run car or two Toyota run cars and then two satellite cars like we had
with LKQ Cook and Moffat that year. Hopefully that might focus them a little more.
That might focus them a little more for the 2026 season because last year was certainly
possibly their most barren season so far. It also explains why I saw Rand Taylor Smith
coming in and out of BMW trucks at Silverstone, which was quite interesting as well. Some questions
that have been asked by some of the community on this is how long in the works it has been.
Did this influence Jake Hill's decision to leave? Did he not want to go to Toyotas? It does raise
some questions, but is there something bigger going on behind the scenes at BMW? Well, there's
a sponsorship for the WSR part of the team. They had to bring in the LKQ Euro car parts
with Moffat and Rainford last season. Are we seeing a mass exodus from BMW and could they
be at risk of not being a manufacturer team even? I personally think that, and I've said this on
social media, I think they're looking, this is just my view, perhaps be phasing themselves
out of the touring cars and going into endurance and GT racing, particularly given that they've
got two drivers in De Leon and Rainford that have made their interest in that discipline clear,
shall we say? I've been, De Leon tried out for the Porsche, I forget which discipline it was,
but Callan Voicin has won that seat. The Carrera scholarship scheme that they go through. Callan
Voicin has won that and obviously Rainford said in our interview that that's where he's had an
ultimate goal for him. So we'll have to come back to that. What we do know to say at the moment is
that Corolla laser tools and speedworks all joined together and we have one of the two
drivers that have been announced today as well and it is our antennae Smith. Yeah, it's obviously
it's not really any move for him because he'll still be in the Corolla like he was last season
and once they had that M Sport engine brought into that unit, you could kind of see some of that
competitiveness come back. In my mind, I think they're probably going to run that going forward
into the 2026 season because of the success they had at the end of that season. It could be the
oldest car on the grid though, because there are some suggestions that unlimited motorsport
might be changing the Cupra. We know PMR have had to change the Astra and they're going to be
running Audi. So I think that would make the Corolla the oldest car on the grid. Yeah, it obviously
depends on what Plato brings for his team and whether the rumors that are going through the
mill at the moment are that possibly unlimited has been offered the Napa forward focuses.
And then there are further rumors on from that as to what Napa will be running, but
we won't get too deep into that because they're fairly shallow rumors at the moment. Yeah,
it obviously also depends with a one motorsport return to the grid next season, what car they
are running. But yeah, I think it makes sense for Maritana Smith's point of view to stay where
he is obviously can't go back to PMR's Astra because they no longer exist. They had a difficult
season this 2025 season. However, sometimes I've said it before Toyota keeping a little bit of
calm, a little bit of stability helps your team grow, look at virtue, look at Napa.
I think Aaron himself really understands the need to stay within a team for two,
three, four seasons because we saw how he grew into that Astra and he gradually got stronger
and stronger and stronger because you're able to finesse these little details that you need
to get up to the front end of a really competitive grid.
What will be interesting on that is whether he can have a real crack at the title in this car.
So, ladies and gentlemen, have won a Giles Championship with Jake Hill. They're not
a silly outfit by any stretch of the imagination. We know that Corolla towards the end of the
season in particular was fast. Cook and Shetland were getting some real joy out of the car
towards the end of the season. Okay, not so much Taylor Smith, but it's difficult when you've had
a difficult season of a really poor car beneath you, then suddenly it all switches on.
You've got to unlearn a lot of habits that you've learned to drive around the car's problems.
Stop it breaking as well, which he had big issues.
But there is that as well. So, yeah, we'll have to see how that one pans out for 2026.
Yeah, from my understanding, it looks like because they're going to be a satellite team,
they'll be running in possibly an independent outfit, possibly going for that independence
title as well. Right, shall we get on to the, in our opinion, the worst thing to have
for steering cars in a very, very long time? And to be clear, that includes the hybrids here.
No, it's gone again. This involves the ballast. This involves reverse grids. This includes allowing
an Integra tank into the championship. Yeah. First of all, I must thank you for all of your
comments on social media about this news when it was released. We put it out there if you're not
already subscribed, go and subscribe there, because we've had some brilliant discussions
between all our followers and ourselves, particularly his Facebook, which is where it's
gone now. And we do try, and I think I have managed to respond to everybody's comments, but we do,
I promise you, we read them all and we do try and respond to you all as well, unless you're
being silly. And if you haven't already, let us know down in the comments your thoughts about this
and go and read up further on it. There's plenty about it on the Brewster at our website.
It's been overwhelming negative. And actually, it's been overwhelming negative everywhere I've
seen. So I also had a quick look on the official Touring Car page to what the comments were there
as well. And there's a lot of negativity there too. There's been a lot of negativity on Twitter,
X, whatever Elon's calling it these days. So yeah, let's get into it. I'll give you a very
quick overview of what the, because there's a lot here to take in. It's very complicated. It's
needlessly complicated. I sent it to my partner who just replied back, why do they have to make
it so difficult? And yeah, it is difficult. Do we, are we reverting back to that top gear
meme? Yes. Yes. Of the rally cross. One plus one equals three. Yes. Yeah. So I'll give a quick
overview. We'll then discuss it and then I'll try and give some positivity and then I'll explain
why the positive is wrong. Yeah, I'll try and put this up on screen at the same time as well.
Okay. So we'll have 140 minutes free practice session to take place at approximately 10 30.
This is all on a Saturday, by the way. Approximately. Approximately. Maybe that accurate for each
round. Well, I guess it depends on the other colleagues and whatnot. The official qualifying
session is set to take place at approximately two o'clock in the afternoon, split into two
qualifying groups of 15 minutes each. The group that includes the fastest set lap time overall
will set the odd numbers of the grid for the qualifying race. So one, three, five, seven,
et cetera, et cetera. And the other group will take the even numbers. So kind of what we've seen
with free practice to this season and how it would set up the first two qualifying sessions.
But if you set the second, the way I read that is if you set the second fastest lap,
you'll start third because you're taking the odd numbers. I'll read that again.
The group that includes the fastest set lap time overall will set the odd numbers of the
grid for qualifying. And the other group will take the even numbers. If you're second overall,
you'll take third.
No, so it splits the grid as you would at the moment. So the session that has the fastest
time overall will start first. Yeah. The second fastest in that session. Oh, I see. So it splits
it odd and even. I see because you've got the other sessions. Yeah, okay, that makes sense. Yeah,
okay, yeah, gotcha. See, we're not, we're not, we're only into bullet point three and it's already
confusion. Okay. There'll then be a 10 minute gap between the end of the official qualifying
session and pit lane opening for the qualifying race. Plenty of time if you've had an issue.
There is no suggestion at the moment that Park Fermi will be lifted. So I'm assuming that
all the cars will be in Park Fermi condition. Yeah. I mean, they can't make any substantial
change to Aero or anything like that. No, they can basically change some tires and that's pretty
much it. Or like for like, with the tokens steward leaning over and ticking things off on a,
on a spreadsheet, um, qualifying race distance to be approximately 15 minutes in duration set
in advance to the nearest lap count at each particular circuit. Because it's longer than
others. That's about six laps that's less than five really. It's not clear if we're doing warm-up
laps and stuff like that. No option tires permitted to be used in the qualifying race.
Only that event standard dry slick tire and or wet tire may be used throughout the official
qualifying session. Okay. Well, it's fairly standard. Yep. Throughout the official qualifying
session and subsequent race, and I'm going to call it sprint race for clarity because it's,
it's just easier than getting mixed up with Sunday races. Each car will have the permitted
toker turbo boost TTB available as per championship order. So as the season goes on,
the sprint gets even more pointless if you are in a championship position because you're just
going to fall back through the grid. Yes. Half points from a championship round to be awarded
as per the finishing order of the qualifying race rounded up to the nearest whole point
where applicable, I must say, this is the most bizarre part of it for me. Yeah. So first gets
10. So it's roughly half though. It's slightly less than half put them up here. Yeah. First gets 10,
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