It’s not too often we see a production-based Toyota on a circuit these days. That will soon change as the Japanese automaker just released its Toyota British Touring Car contender. The all-new Toyota Corolla will compete in the 2019 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Team Toyota GB with Speedworks Motorsport are the official entrants into the series.

The first race date for the new Corolla will be the opening round of the 2019 season at Brands Hatch on 6-7 April. Incidentally, the new Corolla Hatchback takes to the track at the same time as the road-going model arrives in British showrooms.

Read about Toyota’s Dakar entry list by clicking here.

All-new pairing

The all-new Toyota Corolla hatchback will be driven by two-time BTCC Independent Champion Tom Ingram. Ingram, 25, claimed nine victories and regular front-running performances in a privately entered Toyota Avensis. He won the independent team and driver trophies in 2017 and 2018.

The Corolla campaign is being masterminded by Speedworks Motorsport. Until now Speedworks Motorsport, based in Cheshire, competed as an independent. Its new association with Team Toyota GB sees the team graduate to the ranks of the BTCC’s manufacturer-supported teams.

In their own words

Ingram is enthusiastic at the prospect of driving the new Corolla: “What we have accomplished as a small Independent outfit, particularly over the last two seasons, has been nothing short of mind-blowing and demonstrates just what this little team is made of. To attract the support of Toyota is a phenomenal achievement. For Team Toyota GB with Speedworks Motorsport, 2019 starts now and I cannot wait to see how it all unfolds.”

Andrew Cullis, Toyota GB marketing director, said: “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.”