New Toyota Corolla Touring Race Car Makes Track Debut

The new Toyota Corolla BTCC made its first on-track appearance at the Oulton Park circuit in the UK in preparation for its inaugural first racing season.

Team Toyota GB in collaboration with Speedworks Motosport enjoyed a problem-free shakedown test with the new Corolla Touring Car, which was driven by Tom Ingram.

“This was a really positive day and it was nice to put everyone’s mind at ease that the Corolla is a good car,” said Ingram. “Having completed the shake-down we have a really good platform to start chasing the performance and fast lap times. If we had to head to Brands Hatch for the first race now, I wouldn’t feel nervous about it, we’re in a really good place.”

The new Corolla will participate in this year’s Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship powered by a 2.0-liter petrol engine. It will go against the race versions of the new BMW 3-Series, Mercedes A-Class and Honda Civic Type R, among others.

“It was a very productive day. We have plenty of testing planned and the Corolla looks good straight out of the box, so fingers crossed we’ll be right on the pace at the first round,” said Team Principal Christian Dick.

The new race car version of the Corolla made its track debut wearing a camouflage livery as a nod to the appearance of the Supra prototype at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Development of Toyota’s new BTCC warrior resumes this week at the Calafat track in Spain, with the 2019 season set to begin at Brands Hatch on April 6.