M-SPORT TO SUPPLY NEW BTCC ENGINE
M-Sport has been awarded a five-year contract by TOCA – Series Organiser of the British Touring Car Championship – to supply the next ‘TOCA BTCC engine’ from 2022 onwards.
Seeing off stiff competition from a number of interested parties, the Cumbrian firm were amongst four shortlisted to present a ten-page presentation to the BTCC teams last month.
After a series of follow-up questions with M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE, and Head of Engine Development, Nigel Arnfield, M-Sport were selected as the teams’ preferred supplier.
Since 2011 a competitive TOCA engine with proven durability and cost-controls has been available should any team not wish to carry out their own engine programme – and M-Sport will now oversee the design, development and supply of this hugely popular and successful initiative.
Some 55 percent of the 2020 grid use the TOCA engine, and they have placed their trust in M-Sport. Delivering winning performances in some of the world’s most acclaimed motorsport series, M-Sport and its award-winning engine department are now delighted to continue their success story within the BTCC.
Working through a vigorous testing and development programme over the next 12 months, M-Sport will also work closely with Cosworth who have been awarded the contract to design, supply and service the new BTCC Hybrid System – also scheduled to be introduced in 2022.
Engines will be available via outright purchase or fully-maintained lease with M-Sport providing comprehensive engineer and technical support at all BTCC race meetings and TOCA test days.
M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said: “We’re delighted to have been selected to supply the new TOCA BTCC engine in 2022. The BTCC has long been a popular and prestigious part of the British motorsport scene, and we’re all looking forward to working with TOCA and the relevant teams on this new and exciting project. I firmly believe that M-Sport has some of the best engineering expertise in the country, and with the development of our on-site Evaluation Centre this capability is only going to increase.”
M-Sport Head of Engine Development, Nigel Arnfield, said: “We’re excited to be working on the new TOCA BTCC engine and would like to thank the teams for their trust in us. When it comes to design and development, M-Sport has more than 20 years of experience and our engine department oversees various specifications throughout all levels of race and rally. Working alongside our valued customers we have created an award-winning department, and look forward to working closely with the BTCC organisers and competitors in the creation of another top-performing engine.”
BTCC Chief Executive, Alan Gow, said:“I’m delighted to welcome M-Sport into the BTCC family and congratulate them on their successful tender. The opportunity to supply the TOCA engine from 2022 understandably attracted great interest from an extremely high calibre of bidders, so it is testament to M-Sport’s professionalism and expertise that they were able to come out on top of such a competitive and comprehensive process.”
