Photo: PSP Images

Speedworks named as hybrid testing partner

By

Speedworks has been selected as the official testing partner for Cosworth’s all-new BTCC hybrid system, which is due to be introduced into the series from the 2022 season

The Toyota team secured the position after a tender process and will now work with Cosworth Electronics to integrate and validate the hybrid system ahead of its competitive debut, with the system currently in the final design phase. The system will then run on a custom rig and is set to debut on track at Snetterton in the summer, although that will be dependent on any restrictions still in place as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Those on-track tests will be used to deployment and regeneration strategies, as well as system fine-tuning, reliability and endurance so that the exact nature of how the system will be utilised in competition can be determined.

“Speedworks demonstrated a clear understanding for our requirements on this project and we are delighted to be working with them,” Cosworth Electronics motorsport director Rob Kirk, said. “We are delivering an innovative hybrid solution for the BTCC, which will herald a new and exciting era for the series. In Speedworks, we have a partner with proven capabilities and credentials to help us accelerate the development of our hybrid offering.

“Testing will give us the real-time data and feedback that we need to validate the system and to understand precisely how it will be deployed in racing. Although we are currently experiencing uncertain times with Coronavirus, we are still working towards our initial plan and are firmly on track to prepare the system for testing.”

Speedworks boss Christian Dick was delighted to have been given the role.

“We have been a huge supporter of the BTCC’s planned hybrid era,” he said. “I am excited and proud that we have secured the development car contract. To have been selected for this by Cosworth, a company with a rich heritage in this industry, is a great testament to the engineering expertise that we have here at Speedworks.

“It is obviously a very tough time for everyone right now and the global pandemic will undoubtedly throw us some curveballs and change the way we execute this project, but ultimately it’s great news that there is still progress being made behind the scenes.”