BTCC Chief Executive Alan Gow has praised the efforts of everyone involved in getting ready for the start of the British Touring Car Championship’s first-ever hybrid season in 2022.
With the BTCC becoming the first major touring car championship to implement hybrid power, significant work was required in order to facilitate the dawn of the new era.
Cosworth Electronics has undertaken the design and development of the hybrid system which will feature inside every car on the grid, delivering 15 seconds of extra power per lap for attack or defence.
With the COVID-19 pandemic and numerous national and global issues impacting on the project, Gow praised the efforts of all involved in getting everyone ready for the start of the new season.
“When we announced in 2018 that we would be integrating hybrid power for this year, nobody knew the enormous headwinds that would confront us,” said Gow.
“The pandemic, the ongoing global supply chain issues (particularly with microchips and electronics), the further disruptions as a result of the terrible invasion of Ukraine and the significant price increases of just about everything across the board have all provided huge challenges to the project.
“So, it’s important that I acknowledge and thank the outstanding work that Cosworth, the teams, our suppliers and my TOCA Technical Team have put in to get where we are today.
“Yes, we were all up against it – we still are in some other areas – but the great effort that everyone has made against all those obstacles is something that we should all be incredibly proud of.
“So, my sincere appreciation goes out to everyone that really put their shoulders to the wheel and got this programme done.
“Whilst hybrid is the headline news for this year, we also have the introduction of a completely new TOCA engine by M-Sport which will be used by half the grid, the introduction of the new 20% sustainable fuel and a whole new Cosworth ECU and electronics system.
“So, with everything that is new for this year, it’s been a massive undertaking and we shouldn’t underestimate for a moment everything that went into this.
“Being the first touring car championship in the world to go hybrid meant there were no learnings that we could take from others, but I’m delighted that we’ve achieved this important milestone in the long and proud history of this championship.
“And of course, we will reap the rewards going forward, as hybrid keeps the BTCC absolutely relevant to the world around us and has future-proofed the championship – and the teams’ investments – for at least the next five years.
“Kwik Fit, Goodyear and ITV continue as our incredibly loyal, enthusiastic and highly committed partners and remain vital to the ongoing success of the BTCC, with the latter providing even greater coverage in 2022.
“We’re all looking forward to this new era in the BTCC and I thank everyone for playing their part in this amazing championship.”
29 cars will take to the grid for the season opener at Donington Park in less than two weeks’ time.