Future BTCC Hybrid breaks cover at Snetterton
New 2022 BTCC hybrid powertrain is run on track for the first time in a Toyota Corolla chassis
The BTCC's new hybrid powertrain completed two days of testing at Snetterton
Jakob Ebrey
The future of tin-top racing emerged at Snetterton in July, when the new hybrid British Touring Car Championship powertrain ran on track for the first time ahead of its planned introduction to the series in 2022.
The new powertrain has been developed by Cosworth alongside BTCC organiser TOCA. It was fitted to a new Toyota Corolla chassis built by the Speedworks Motorsport team and run during the recent Goodyear tyre tests.
The hybrid captures energy via an electric motor within the gearbox. The energy can then be deployed by the driver to provide a boost of 40bhp for a maximum of 15 seconds per lap. Aston Martin racer Darren Turner handled the car, marking his first BTCC outing since 2008.
The BTCC will feature 26 cars this year after a handful of high-profile withdrawals due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19. Last year’s runner-up Andrew Jordan has been forced to step down from his Team BMW UK drive due to funding difficulties, while the Power Maxed Racing Vauxhall team has also withdrawn, meaning that two-time champion Jason Plato will miss out on a BTCC season for the first time since 2003.