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BTCC to introduce qualifying race for 2026 season

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Organisers of the British Touring Car Championship has confirmed that it will introduce a qualifying race for all cars on the Saturday afternoon at each race weekend of the 2026 season.

The final classification of this race, which will be the culmination of separate free practice and qualifying sessions on Saturday, will determine the grid positions for Sunday’s opening encounter.

While the precise format of this new race is still being finalised, the BTCC has confirmed that Sunday will continued to maintain three rounds of racing – as it has done since 2004.

Fans will be able to continue watching the action on Saturday live in the UK and around the world via the ITV Sport YouTube channel.

Additional unrelated tweaks to the regulations are also set to be announced in due course following the annual end-of-season meeting between TOCA and all competing teams.

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “A qualifying race on Saturday is another exciting introduction to the BTCC ahead of the 2026 season, and promises to be a hit among drivers, teams, fans and stakeholders.

“The addition of some short, sharp racing action on Saturday will certainly spice things up ahead of our hugely popular three-race Sunday format and will provide a further great spectacle to the weekend show for everyone.”