BTCC 2026: Alliance Hesitates on Replacing Focus, Awaits Key Decision (International Edition)

The top British Touring Car Championship squad, Alliance Racing, finds itself in a waiting game as they await a decision regarding the construction of a new vehicle scheduled for 2026.

The team leader, Pete Osborne, informed Diwida last October.| Regarding the NAPA Racing team's intentions to swap out their trusty Ford Focus ST for the upcoming season—however, holdups caused by instabilities within the automotive sector have resulted in the status remaining uncertain.

When questioned regarding the advancements, Osborne stated, 'We are still in discussions with a manufacturer and determining which tasks we can undertake jointly.'

Currently, everything in the electric vehicle market is uncertain, with numerous developments taking place. It's understandable why all these manufacturers are finding it challenging.

They have very little guidance, and this impacts us when considering which model they will release next.

The challenge and the cause for our lack of agreement so far stems from their consideration of which models they can introduce to the UK market. Tariffs imposed in the United States have instilled significant anxiety and unpredictability. In my view, the delay only exacerbates the situation since I am eager to start designing, building, and preparing a product.

Pete Osborne

Photo credit: JEP / Motorsport Images

This comes as part of a fresh set of BTCC rules scheduled for implementation in 2027, replacing the present NGTC era. However, series director Alan Gow has indicated that these changes aim to be a budget-friendly update to current regulations without rendering any existing vehicles outdated.

"The other concern at present is comprehending what the regulations will be like in 2027, which makes you feel anxious about acting prematurely," Osborne further explained.

So there are numerous topics we constantly discuss, and I just hope something would pause so we could start making progress! That's what frustrates me.

I told the guys it would be great if we could simply say, 'To hell with it, let's proceed and just do it,' but since we're talking about such significant funds, you wouldn't want to rush into it and make mistakes.

The Alliance does not have a specific timeline for making the decision regarding a new project to replace the Focus, with homologation set to expire at the end of 2030.

Osborne mentioned that Technical Chief Antonio Carrozza set the latest possible deadline for starting construction as November. However, Osborne believes this is too late. He hopes that by the end of the season, they will have an agreement in place so they can begin constructing the vehicle and conduct some tests sooner rather than later.

The world currently finds itself in an unusual situation, and our position right now is quite frustrating. A year ago, we were sitting down with a manufacturer who was fully prepared to move forward. They were very optimistic and enthusiastic about it all, but then their range of models shifted.

Ashley Sutton drives the NAPA Racing UK Ford Focus ST

Image courtesy of: JEP / Motorsport Images

The company that Alliance is negotiating with remains unchanged from before. Earlier, Osborne characterized them as a newcomer to the BTCC. When questioned about whether this entity had never participated in the championship previously or was merely absent for several years, he responded: "I can't reveal that information—it would spoil the surprise, but I'm really enthusiastic. However, I have to exercise patience and allow the team to reach their business decisions."

To the extent that we wish to organize things and urge them to reach a conclusion, we must recognize that this also involves a business choice since it's not solely about competing with touring cars; it's equally about promoting car sales.

“The old synergy of ‘race on Sunday, sell on Monday’ is still in the back of people’s minds, so it’s making sure you don’t get a model that’s out of date.

We recognize that the next person should commit for three or four years to fully leverage this opportunity and maximize everyone's profitability. We're dealing with businesses here. While it may be my passion and personal pleasure, it's ultimately not the manufacturer's hobby; they focus on generating income.

The alliance might extend into 2026 using the fourth-generation Focus, which debuted in the BTCC in 2020 under the team’s former moniker, Motorbase Performance. This occurred prior to Osborne acquiring the group during the 2020-21 offseason.

I'm hopeful it won't happen, but we can only do so much, right?" said Osborne. "Tony [Carrozza], James [Mundy], Paul [Ridgway], and Rich [Townsend]... all the engineers are incredibly committed to improving this situation.

We purchased our car during the Motorbase sale, and that's what we're currently working with. We'll make the most of it, and we definitely won't give up.

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