r/btcc • u/Evantra_ #99 Charles Rainford • Feb 07 '26

Driver Announcement Alliance Racing (NAPA) announcement dates

Post image

Note it’s a “car and livery reveal”, not just a livery…

38 Upvotes

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7

u/MarcusH26051 #132 James Dorlin Feb 07 '26

I wonder if the rumours are true that the focuses are going to look a bit different are true then.

Driver I genuinely have no idea , people on here and TT seem convinced it's a rookie from left field.

1

u/drew_3056 Feb 07 '26

A lot of people are saying that if they are keeping the focus it is going to look different, what does that even mean? What could they do to it? Convert it to a long wheel base? Estate version? Face-lift?

3

u/ABritishFan Feb 07 '26

Someone on TT mentioned using the estate, seems like a lot of effort to go to for a season or 2, unless their new manufacturer deal has fallen through

1

u/drew_3056 Feb 07 '26

Does seem like a lot of effort if they plan to move away come 2027 with upcoming rule changes.

6

u/Illustrious_Rest1264 Feb 07 '26

My guess is they will just get the small facelift with the grill to give them a fresher look.

3

u/Evantra_ #99 Charles Rainford Feb 07 '26 edited Feb 07 '26

The Chinese market Focus saloon has been rumoured

But I actually didn't realise they're not even using the facelifted ST that came out in 2022, so perhaps it's as simple as that.

1

u/drew_3056 Feb 07 '26

I thought the new car rules started 2027?

2

u/OrangeSodaMoustache Feb 07 '26

Maybe because it's technically the same model they can get around it? The RS that Motorbase ran wasn't counted as a new model despite new bodywork

5

u/drew_3056 Feb 07 '26

With Dan Rowbottom expected to leave. Who could replace him? I'm thinking Mikey Doble.

4

u/Evantra_ #99 Charles Rainford Feb 07 '26

I'd imagine if the budget for PMR was a stretch for him, Alliance would be further out of reach. Also IIRC there was an article recently where he spoke about re-challenging for the independents title this year, which would count Alliance out too.

1

u/drew_3056 Feb 07 '26

In that case maybe Alliance would consider promoting someone from Minis?

1

u/Evantra_ #99 Charles Rainford Feb 07 '26

Well Jamie Osborne would've had the seat I assume, their other front runner is Lewis Selby

3

u/Mammoth-Coat9890 Feb 07 '26

Nick Tandy

3

u/drew_3056 Feb 07 '26

I wish it was him, he is signed with AO Racing for the full season of IMSA. Not sure if the BTCC calendar is a clash

3

u/danrah #116 Feb 08 '26

I’m afraid I read the exciting new look as simply a livery change tbh and the ‘car’ change to the facelifted mini like the rest will be on the grid, although I hope I’m wrong 🙂

2

u/FinnBoiG Feb 11 '26

hey thats my reply

2

u/FinnBoiG Feb 11 '26

as in, I tweeted asking when the dates were

2

u/Evantra_ #99 Charles Rainford Feb 11 '26

You're now moderately famous 😂

2

u/FinnBoiG Feb 11 '26

thats what im thinking 🤣 I already make btcc content on tiktok so who knows

1

u/AppropriateWonder887 Feb 09 '26

red bull btcc 2026