Steve Laidlaw will return to the TCR UK series in 2025, when he is targeting a title tilt as he continues to race one of the latest CUPRA Leon VZ TCR cars.
Laidlaw made his tin-top début in 2024, joining the series from the second round at Snetterton onwards.
Initially in a Hyundai i30 N, Laidlaw moved over to a CUPRA Leon Competición from Croft, when he was also joined on the grid by his son Sam, who stepped into the Hyundai his dad had previously raced.
Steve then secured his maiden podium in his second meeting in the CUPRA at Silverstone, before going on to claim a first victory in the next meeting at Thruxton – as well as finishing on the podium in all three races.
He concluded the season with a switch to the brand-new Leon VZ at the Silverstone finale, when son Sam also joined him in one of the new cars.
In 2025, Steve Laidlaw will remain at Area Motorsport, with son Sam also staying put as his team-mate for the coming season.
“2024 was a year of education and development for Sam and I as drivers,” explained Laidlaw. “We achieved all of our goals and then exceeded many of them with the tireless help and support of Rob [Baker], Rich and the team at Area Motorsport.
“In the off-season, we’ve been working on the sim and on driver development at a range of different tracks, making sure we are really learning how to get the very best out of the team, car and driver combos.
“We feel incredibly confident coming into 2025 that with all of those things on point and dedicated effort, taking the top step of the podium at many events is possible. And we absolutely competing for a championship title win.”
Team Principal Rob Baker praised Laidlaw’s drive and determination in the first year of their partnership in 2024.
“We’re really proud as a team of what Steve achieved last year, he sets his goals of a Goodyear Diamond Award win and quickly smashed them,” added Baker.
“The goal then changed to a race win which he took at Thruxton.
“His focus and drive to do well along with a good car underneath him, has propelled him to wanting to fight for the championship in 2025.
“Given the right equipment and the progress we’re making over the winter, it’s a great aim to have.”