British Touring Car Championship: New Weekend Schedule

Team Vertu, British Touring Car Championship

As the British Touring Car 2026 Championship edges closer, it’s time to see what changes have been made to the series. From driver changes to new teams, nothing stands out more than the change to the schedule - the new qualifying race.

2026 marks the start of a new era with the new qualifying race on a Saturday. This will set the grid for Sunday’s race one. Sunday will still hold three races as it has done for many years. BTCC Chief Executive, Alan Gow, 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.”

This new race schedule will consist of: One 40 - minute practice session; One qualifying session split into two 15 minute groups (the group that includes the fastest set lap time will set the odd numbers on the grid and the other will set the even numbers); there will be a 10 minute gap between qualifying and the pit lane opening for the ‘qualifying race’. The race will be 15 minutes long - to the nearest lap depending on location. Throughout qualifying and the race, each car will have the permitted TOCA turbo boost available as per championship order. And finally, half points from a championship round to be awarded as per the finishing order of the qualifying race (rounded up to the nearest whole point where applicable).

This is just one of the changes being implemented this year. Only time will tell if it is for the best or the worse. Tune in to the ITV4 youtube and social media channels 18th and 19th April to witness the championship opener at Donington Park!

See you there!

Written by Lauren Moore