The Corolla name returns to the British Touring Car Championship after 32 years.
Toyota is to return to the Kwik Fit sponsored British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) in 2019 with the all new Toyota Corolla.
Partnered by Speedworks Motorsport and driven by two-time BTCC independent champion Tom Ingram, Toyota returns with the all new Corolla, 32 years after a Corolla GT Coupe won back-to-back championships and having competed in the competition through to the mid-90s.
The new Corolla Hatchback will take to the track for the opening round of the 2019 season at Brands Hatch at the same time as the road-going model arrives in British showrooms next spring.
The Corolla campaign is being masterminded by Cheshire-based Speedworks Motorsport, a team with a reputation as the BTCC’s leading giant-killers while Ingram posted nine victories and regular front-running performances in the Toyota Avensis, securing both the Independent Team and Driver trophies in 2017 and 2018.
Team Toyota GB with Speedworks Motorsport team principal Christian Dick said: “We have been establishing an ever-closer relationship with Toyota GB for the past few years, nurturing that bond through our common passion for motorsport, engineering excellence and, ultimately, success. Our new relationship with them will enable us to take that final step and really push for the overall BTCC title.”
Andrew Cullis, Toyota GB marketing director, added: “Bringing the Corolla name and Team Toyota GB back to the British Touring Car Championship in 2019 is a great way of helping us launch this important, all-new British-built car. Speedworks Motorsport and Tom Ingram have a winning track record and we look forward to working with them throughout the coming season.”
Published: 3 December 2018
Information correct at time of publication.