![Dan Cammish, NAPA Racing UK [Alliance Racing], Ford Focus ST NGTC](https://www.touringcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BTCC-racing.jpg "Photo: Pat Cranham")
The British Touring Car Championship will introduce a Saturday ‘qualifying race’ to its format for the 2026 season, with the results of the race determining the grid for the first race on Sunday.
After discussions at the annual end of season meeting between TOCA and competing teams, the decision has been made to introduce a qualifying race for all cars into the Saturday schedule.
With the support package having reduced in size in recent years, and the changes in organisation of the delayed TOCA Junior Series, the schedule has felt notably sparse on BTCC race weekends in recent seasons.
The introduction of a ‘qualifying race’ will help to fill the gaps in the schedule, with the preceding practice and qualifying sessions remaining on the bill for Saturday’s running.
The race will be streamed live both in the UK and internationally on the ITV YouTube channel.
“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,” said BTCC Chief Executive Alan Gow.
“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.”
Further details on the precise format are being finalised and will be communicated ‘in due course’.