[BTCC] BTCC News & Rumours 2025

[BtccLee]

Originally Posted by Evantra

Great news! So we have a year to figure out a manufacturer that offers a FWD saloon and some from of RWD car for GT3. Sounds like there would be considerable manufacturer backing. Well connected to the UK I would suppose if they’re asking Alliance about GT3 development.

With the influx of Chinese manufacturers, I wonder if any of them would consider something like the BTCC to boost their image, although I suppose they’re all electric.

Certainly intriguing, a lot of 'Hopefully' in Osbourne's comments so... 'hopefully' this comes together because it sounds massive for the championship.

[DaviePHD]

Originally Posted by SSmith

More of a story for 2026 this one. Alliance plans to replace Fords for 2026. A new manufacturer with a FWD saloon car, work underway already led by Antonio Carrozza. Had hoped for new car in 2025 but still a work in progress. Also talk of Alliance being involved in a GT3 building project with the same manufacturer. Fords to be updated for 2025.

https://www.autosport.com/btcc/news/...2026/10661596/

That's interestjng, the only FWD saloons at the Moment would be the Merc A Class or the Audi A3... Unless I've missed something...

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by Evantra

Great news! So we have a year to figure out a manufacturer that offers a FWD saloon and some from of RWD car for GT3. Sounds like there would be considerable manufacturer backing. Well connected to the UK I would suppose if they’re asking Alliance about GT3 development.

The first that comes to mind is Mercedes.
Possibly Audi.

At a stretch, it might be possible to get a Nissan Qashqai to work?

[pimmy]

It wouldn't be Audi or Mercedes because they'd develop their own GT3. The Qashqai's not a saloon either.

I think it'll be an Asian make but I'll have to do a bit of looking to see who fits!

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by DaviePHD

That's interestjng, the only FWD saloons at the Moment would be the Merc A Class or the Audi A3... Unless I've missed something...

Mazda 3.

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

The first that comes to mind is Mercedes.
Possibly Audi.

They don't need Alliance to go to Le Mans. There are a lot of teams with links to these manufacturers who have already proven themself in endurance racing.

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by pimmy

because they'd develop their own GT3.

Osborne’s public aim of eventually expanding into GT3 competition with a target of competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours could be a knock-on from the new programme.

“The manufacturer that we’re talking to would like us to do a GT3 car and take it to Le Mans,” he said.

“If we can prove to them that we can do it with a touring car, then the door could be open to that project as well.”

I am not sure he means developing their own GT.

Nissan makes sense. They have already a GT3 car but not yet at Le Mans.
Manufacturers with a car suitable for GT3 are limited.

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by FIRE

They don't need Alliance to go to Le Mans. There are a lot of teams with links to these manufacturers who have already proven themself in endurance racing.

The article doesn't state that the manufacturer isn't already involved with Le Mans - just that “The manufacturer that we’re talking to would like us to do a GT3 car and take it to Le Mans,”. That could be alongside existing GT3 cars from the manufacturer with other teams.

Although - another that comes to mind is Dacia/Renault. The Logan would fit the bill of a FWD Saloon?

[pimmy]

Originally Posted by FIRE

I am not sure he means developing their own GT.

I interpret it to mean that they would. And they're talking years in the future here. Who knows which manufacturers will be in GT3 then?

“The manufacturer that we’re talking to would like us to do a GT3 car and take it to Le Mans,” he said.

“If we can prove to them that we can do it with a touring car, then the door could be open to that project as well.”

Surely he's saying, "If we can build and develop a touring car and be successful with it, then the manufacturer will let us do the same thing with a GT car".

"Do a GT3 car" means build one to me. That's how I see it, anyway.

And it's possible that the manufacturer they're courting doesn't have a GT type car in production yet.

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

The article doesn't state that the manufacturer isn't already involved with Le Mans - just that “The manufacturer that we’re talking to would like us to do a GT3 car and take it to Le Mans,”. That could be alongside existing GT3 cars from the manufacturer with other teams.

True but it sounds they currently are not racing at Le Mans.

[crmalcolm]

Always worth remembering that they have previously confirmed talks with Mercedes, Audi and Alfa Romeo.

[Evantra]

Do the rules state the exact model must be sold in the UK? For example, MG sell the 6 in China which seems viable (and races in TCR) but not in the UK, but may still act as promotion for the wider MG range if it’s a manufacturer effort. Not that MG or SAIC have anything GT3-ready. It’s tricky when most things are electric now.

Also, assuming NAPA title sponsorship is retained, I guess that would clash with any manufacturer involvement that asks for factory colours?

[DaviePHD]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

Mazda 3.

So I did miss something, I didn't know there was a saloon version, but I saw the 5 door hatch the other day and thought it would make a good looking touring car.

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by DaviePHD

So I did miss something, I didn't know there was a saloon version, but I saw the 5 door hatch the other day and thought it would make a good looking touring car.

https://www.mazda.co.uk/cars/mazda3-saloon/

'The classic and sophisticated 2025 Mazda3 Saloon stands out from the crowd, with unique curves that reflect light across the car's surface, creating complex and intriguing shapes. Superb Japanese craftsmanship ensures you feel at ease inside a cabin that offers everything you need for an exceptional driving experience.'

Went on sale 1st Aug 24.

[pimmy]

That's a very mild facelift to a car which has been in production since 2019. I'd have thought Alliance would want a newer car than that!

[Evantra]

Originally Posted by pimmy

That's a very mild facelift to a car which has been in production since 2019. I'd have thought Alliance would want a newer car than that!

Guess they don’t have much to choose from anymore. Can’t be many relatively-compact, non-electric saloons left.

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by pimmy

That's a very mild facelift to a car which has been in production since 2019. I'd have thought Alliance would want a newer car than that!

With Tony Carrozza, a blank template and a new homologation, for all intents and purposes it is a brand new car.

And if Mazda are wanting to back the entry, why would Alliance be worried about the age of the model? It is newer than their current car, and isn't being discontinued next year.

[redshoes]

Originally Posted by Evantra

Do the rules state the exact model must be sold in the UK? For example, MG sell the 6 in China which seems viable (and races in TCR) but not in the UK, but may still act as promotion for the wider MG range if it’s a manufacturer effort.

https://btcc.net/about/technical-overview/
"Base vehicle must be freely on sale in the UK through the manufacturer’s normal dealer network at time of homologation"

[FIRE]

Would be a nice looking touring car.

MX5 GT3

[mick bennett]

https://www.autosport.com/btcc/news/...2026/10661596/




VW Golf ?

[Evantra]

Originally Posted by redshoes

https://btcc.net/about/technical-overview/
"Base vehicle must be freely on sale in the UK through the manufacturer’s normal dealer network at time of homologation"

Thanks, thought as much.