Hybrid BTCC car to make race debut at Silverstone

It will be the first time a hybrid has run in a round of the BTCC, and follows on from years of development and months of testing, principally with the 2013 champ behind the wheel.

The hybrid system has been developed by Cosworth with M-Sport, best known for its WRC and Bentley GT successes, which will be taking over the TOCA engine supply from 2022.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the plan is to run at Silverstone in both free practices, qualifying and the three races.

“It will be invisible as far as championship points go, and wherever it qualifies it won’t be starting from there.

“Competing at our Silverstone event is part of its full development cycle; although the hybrid components and engine have done far in excess of a season’s worth of running, we want it to also go through a normal race weekend procedure. So whilst it won’t get involved in any real dicing with other cars, it’s important that our fans and partners have the opportunity of seeing the hybrid car in action ahead of 2022.”

Photography by Nick Dungan and Jordan Butters.