Toyota squad appointed to test BTCC hybrid system

Toyota factory team Speedworks Motorsport will assist Cosworth in developing the British Touring Car Championship's hybrid system for the 2022 season.

Cosworth have chosen the Speedworks Motorsport outfit to carry out the testing of the BTCC's hybrid system, which is set to be introduced into competition for the 2022 campaign.

After being announced as the BTCC's hybrid partner in July 2019, Cosworth have been developing the system since August of last year, which is now in its final design phase.

It's hoped the hybrid system will make its track debut this July at Snetterton, but the BTCC says that will largely be dependent on Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.

Cosworth and Speedworks will carry out initial integration and validation of the hybrid system. The tests will also ascertain deployment and regeneration strategies, as well as system fine-tuning, reliability and endurance.

Once introduced into competition, the hybrid system will give the drivers an extra 40bhp per lap after the first lap to overtake or defend position from another car.

“We have been a huge supporter of the BTCC’s planned hybrid era. I am excited and proud that we have secured the development car contract," said Speedworks Motorsport boss Christian Dick.

"To have been selected for this by Cosworth, a company with a rich heritage in this industry, is a great testament to the engineering expertise that we have here at Speedworks.

"It is obviously a very tough time for everyone right now and the global pandemic will undoubtedly throw us some curveballs and change the way we execute this project, but ultimately it’s great news that there is still progress being made behind the scenes.”

Cosworth Electronics Motorsport Director Rob Kirk said Speedworks 'demonstrated a clear understanding' of Cosworth's requirements for the hybrid project.

Speedworks Motorsport currently run the Toyota Gazoo Racing UK Corolla, driven by Tom Ingram.

Ingram took to the Speedworks team to a sixth place finish in the overall drivers' standings during their first season as a manufacturer backed outfit.

"Speedworks demonstrated a clear understanding for our requirements on this project and we are delighted to be working with them," said Kirk.

"We are delivering an innovative hybrid solution for the BTCC, which will herald a new and exciting era for the series.

"In Speedworks, we have a partner with proven capabilities and credentials to help us accelerate the development of our hybrid offering. Testing will give us the real-time data and feedback that we need to validate the system and to understand precisely how it will be deployed in racing.

"Although we are currently experiencing uncertain times with Coronavirus, we are still working towards our initial plan and are firmly on track to prepare the system for testing.”