Slightly later than planned, this weekend sees the start of the 2021 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season.
Fans have been counting down the days to the return of the biggest national motorsport series in the UK.
Teams and drivers will be at Thruxton in Hampshire, ahead of three races this Sunday that promise plenty of on-track action.
If you are new to the BTCC, we have a full guide to everything you need to know about it.
What is the British Touring Car Championship?
The BTCC is one of the oldest motorsport competitions in the world, with roots that stretch back to 1958. Production-based cars, like those driven by millions across the country, have been the foundation of the series since it began.
Each race weekend consists of a qualifying session on Saturday, followed by three individual races on Sunday. Various regulations aim to make the racing as competitive as possible, with a real emphasis on entertaining spectators and those watching at home on TV.
The series has become well known for close contact action, with plenty of rubbing and barging between competitors. It means that a BTCC race weekend is unlikely to be without a dose of drama and controversy, along with unpredictable results.
What cars do they use in the BTCC?
Cars used in the BTCC are meant to resemble modified versions of the ones that fans have parked on their own driveway. That means a mixture of family hatchbacks and compact saloons, ranging from the BMW 3 Series to the Honda Civic Type-R.
Using standard production cars as a base helps lower the overall costs of competing. BTCC cars are built to Next Generation Touring Car (NGTC) rules. This includes standardised parts for suspension, aerodynamics, brakes, and wheels.
All models must use a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, producing around 350 hp. Teams can choose to build their own engine, or use a standard motor developed by the BTCC organisers.
Which car manufacturers are involved in the BTCC for 2021?
Unlike the heydays of the 1990s, the BTCC currently has only a small roster of official manufacturers competing. The 2021 season will see BMW and Toyota taking part using the 3 Series saloon and Corolla hatchback respectively.
Motorbase Performance is also classed a manufacturer entry, making use of the Ford Focus ST.
The remainder of the grid for 2021 is formed from private independent teams, featuring cars such as the Cupra Leon, Infiniti Q50, and Hyundai i30 N.
NGTC rules means that smaller outfits can still compete against the factory-backed contenders.
What are the future plans for cars used in the BTCC?
In order to stay relevant to the cars driven by those who watch BTCC racing, the series has committed to introducing hybrid petrol cars in 2022.
Although not set to be as complicated as the systems used in Formula One, drivers will be able to use the hybrid electric power for an additional performance boost.
Testing during 2020 saw a Cosworth hybrid-powered BTCC Toyota Corolla hit the track, successfully completing numerous evaluations.
Do the rules make racing in the BTCC competitive?
Chief Executive Alan Gow is renowned for trying to make racing in the BTCC as close as possible. Various rules and regulations aim to stop situations like Formula One, with a single team or driver dominating the competition.
Starting positions are dictated differently for each of the three races across the weekend.
Grid places for race one are determined by qualifying on Saturday. Certain rounds in 2021 will test a new 25-minute qualifying session, followed by a top-ten shootout for pole position.
Race two is based upon the finishing positions of race one.
Finally, race three uses the finishing order of race two, but with randomised reversed positions. It is all intended to encourage overtaking and prevent races from being a foregone conclusion before they even start.
Four rounds will also see drivers made to use a different ‘option’ compound tyre for at least one race.
Why is success ballast used in the BTCC?
Success ballast is a key part of the aim to keep BTCC cars and drivers closely matched throughout the season.
Extra weight is added to the cars of the drivers in the top ten championship positions before each race weekend. The extra ballast is intended to reign the leaders in, with the driver in first position carrying the most weight.
For 2021, the first-place driver will have to carry 75 kilograms of weight, increased from the 60 kilograms used last year.
The success ballast is adjusted after each race, according to the top ten finishing positions.
Is contact allowed between BTCC cars?
Despite being a non-contact series, packed grids, and rules that encourage competition results in cars getting up close and personal on track.
However, the championship organisers have taken an increasingly strict view on contact, punishing drivers who cause unnecessary collisions.
A panel of three stewards reviews incidents that happen on track, with former BTCC driver James Cole part of the trio for 2021.
Who is the defending BTCC champion?
Proving that independent teams can challenge the major manufacturers, Ash Sutton is the current defending BTCC Drivers’ Champion. Sutton drove the Laser Tools Racing Infiniti Q50 to victory in 2020, taking his second title win, and is back for more in 2021.
The Manufacturers’ Championship was won by Team BMW (West Surrey Racing), along with the Teams’ title.
Michael Crees was the winner of the Jack Sears Trophy. This is contested by drivers who have never previously achieved a podium position in the BTCC.
Who are the other drivers competing in the BTCC for 2021?
The relative accessibility of BTCC means it appeals to drivers from a wide range of racing backgrounds.
Jade Edwards will become the first female driver to contest a full BTCC season since 2007. She made her BTCC debut in 2020, and will be driving for the BTC Racing team this year.
Nic Hamilton, the younger brother of Formula One superstar Sir Lewis Hamilton, returns for 2021. He will be driving a Rokit Racing-liveried Cupra Leon.
BTCC regular, and Fifth Gear TV presenter, Jason Plato is back for the 2021 season, having taken a sabbatical for 2020. His long-time rival, Matt Neal, will not be driving this year though.
Rick Parfitt Jr., son of the late Status Quo musician Rick Parfitt, will be driving a Hyundai i30 N. He has previously raced sports cars in the British GT Championship.
What support races does the BTCC have for 2021?
The BTCC is the main draw on each race weekend, but it is not the only on-track action taking place. Numerous other support championships compete at each event, ensuring a packed day of racing.
Leading the support act is the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, which has helped develop a range of endurance racing drivers since 2003.
Other championships include the Mini Challenge UK, the Ginetta GT4 Supercup, and the single-seater F4 British Championship.
Will spectators be allowed to attend the BTCC in 2021?
The reason for the BTCC season starting later than usual is to enable fans to come to as many race weekends as possible in 2021.
Unfortunately, the opening rounds at Thruxton will take place behind closed doors. However, plans are in place to allow fans in limited numbers to attend races later in the season.
Motorsport Vision, owner of Donington Park, Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, and Snetterton, has said spectators will be allowed to attend. Tickets will need to be purchased in advance
The situation is based upon official guidance, which may be subject to change as the season progresses. If you are considering attending a BTCC race weekend, it is best to contact your local circuit for the latest information.
How can I watch the BTCC on TV?
The BTCC agreed a multi-year deal with ITV in 2015, committing to keeping the series on free-to-air TV until 2022.
Freeview channel ITV4 will show at least seven hours of live coverage from each race day, broadcasting between 10:40 and 18:15. Highlights will also be shown on ITV4 and ITV after each event.
Fans can watch race action online through the itv.com website, which also screens live qualifying on Saturdays.
ITV’s BTCC coverage is led by veteran motorsports presenter, Steve Rider.
2021 British Touring Car Championship Calendar
After a COVID-shortened 2020 season, the BTCC is back to a planned 10 race weekends for 2021. Each race weekend consists of three BTCC races on Sunday.
| Rounds | Venue | Date |
| 1 – 3 | Thruxton | 09 May 2021 |
| 4 – 6 | Snetterton | 13 June 2021 |
| 7 – 9 | Brands Hatch (Indy Circuit) | 27 June 2021 |
| 10 – 12 | Oulton Park | 01 August 2021 |
| 13 – 15 | Knockhill | 15 August 2021 |
| 16 – 18 | Thruxton | 29 August 2021 |
| 19 – 21 | Croft | 19 September 2021 |
| 22 – 24 | Silverstone | 26 September 2021 |
| 25 – 27 | Donington Park | 10 October 2021 |
| 28 – 30 | Brands Hatch (GP Circuit) | 24 October 2021 |