The British Touring Car Championship have announced on their social media channels that race weekends will be changing in 2027. A whole host of changes have been made to how the weekends will run. Lets go over the new format for BTCC weekends in 2027.
A double dose of Friday Practice
Saturdays action will now feature two 25 minute BTCC free practice sessions. This will allow drivers and teams slightly more track time and an all important break in between sessions to dial in their setups before qualifying. Last season, drivers had just one 45 minute practice session to get up to speed before qualifying
Timed qualifying format change
There will now be just one timed qualifying session to set the grid for the race to pole. All drivers will be out on track at the same time for the singular 20 minute qualifying session. Around tracks like Brands Hatch Indy and Knockhill there could be some incredible action! This changes from the split group qualifying sessions where drivers would have 15 minutes to set a time and be allocated a race to pole grid slot based on the fastest group.
The new format will also allow teams to run cars on a minimal amount of fuel which was something the drivers missed during the 2026 season.
Race to Pole tweaked after its first season
The ‘Race to Pole’ will be extended to half the distance of a standard BTCC race. There will also be a longer break between the end of qualifying and the Race To Pole to give teams more time to prepare the cars.
Reverse Grid Draw changes
The reverse grid draw for Sunday’s final race will also change. The new rules will allow drivers from 10th to 16th to be in contention for pole position. The previous regulations only covered drivers from 6th to 12th.
Meaning we will see bigger reversed grids!
Friday Shakedowns to return!
Friday shakedown sessions will return for selected race weekends in 2027. This will allow teams to get some running in a day before the weekend kicks off on Saturday.
Changes to turbo boost incoming?
TOCA are also apparently finalising further changes in the championship which include ‘revisions to the boost regulations’. Those changes will be announced soon.
