NAPA Racing UK introduces Ford Focus Saloon to the BTCC

NAPA Racing UK will enter a new chapter in this year’s British Touring Car Championship, as it switches to running a quartet of Ford Focus Titanium saloons.

The team is making the switch to the more aerodynamic model of car, despite the Ford Focus having ended production globally in November 2025.

The move has been made permissible after the new-for-2027 homologation requirements which allow the use of cars not currently sold in the UK was brought forward by a year, with the unanimous agreement of all teams, prior to Alliance Racing embarking on the car build project.

The car shares the same wheelbase as the previously-run hatchback variant, whilst benefitting from improved aerodynamic efficiency and reduced overall weight.

NAPA Racing UK has run Ford Focus cars since 2022, scoring 36 wins and six titles in the process, with Motorbase Performance running the fourth-generation Focus for the two seasons beforehand in 2020 and 2021.

The team evaluated other options for its future car, but remaining with Ford means it can also continue to work with long-term engine partners Mountune.

“This is an exciting time for the entire team,” explained Antonio Carrozza, NAPA Racing UK Lead Engineer. “It was a lengthy process to come to this decision, such were the options we had, but we feel like the saloon version of the Focus is the way to go.

“The ultimate goal is to reduce aerodynamic drag. We highlighted that as an area we wanted to address last season, and this move to a different shape allows us to do just that; there are many elements that remain the same to the car, however, there will be some fine-tuning required.

“Everyone involved in this project has done a fantastic job, and now the exciting bit comes next: to head out on track and begin dialling the car into what we hope will be a championship challenger.”

Pete Osborne, Alliance Racing Team Owner, says the team have been working hard during the off-season to get their plans in place for 2026.

“I can’t wait to get going,” added Osborne. “We’ve had a very busy winter with the team behind the scenes working relentlessly on reworking the Focus into a virtually new car, one that looks stunning.

“We’ve got a good test programme scheduled in for March, where the drivers and engineers will get to work on understanding the changes to the new car. Everyone is very excited for this year, and we’ll be doing our best to get the number one back on our car.”

Steve Richardson, Managing Director of NAPA UK / Alliance Automotive Group UK&IE Ltd, added: “Having seen the methodical process in selecting this year’s car, I’m delighted with the progress we’ve made during the off-season.

“Being able to continue with Ford, having had so much success in previous years, along with Mountune, means we have the cornerstones of what is shaping up to be an exciting season on track.”