Árón Taylor-Smith believes continuity will be the key ingredient as he prepares for a second season behind the wheel of a Toyota, as part of the new Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport and Speedworks Motorsport collaboration, convinced that the foundations laid can now be turned into sustained front-running success in the BTCC.

Taylor-Smith’s move to the Corolla marked the beginning of a longer-term project rather than an instant reset, something the Irishman feels is essential in such a competitive era of the championship.

“Continuity breeds success in this championship,” Taylor-Smith explained. “All you have to do is look at anyone who’s had sustained success; it’s always a long-term project.

“I never expected everything to click in year one, no different to how it was at PMR [Power Maxed Racing]. From year one to year two, there, we saw a massive jump, and I see this following a similar path.”

With the Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport partnership now in place, Taylor-Smith feels he is ideally suited to the structure around him.

“I look at it as a three-year journey,” he said. “Year one, you learn what works and what doesn’t, year two you start winning races, and year three you have a real crack at a championship. It’s about finding a home that can accommodate that, and I genuinely believe this is the best fit for my future.

Going into 2026, Taylor-Smith heads into the new year with his future already secured and announced, a situation he believes offers a significant competitive advantage.

“It makes a huge difference,” he admitted. “This championship is incredibly hard… regardless of whether you’re with a front-running team or a newer outfit.

“To have everything signed off this early is a credit to my partner network. Their support has given me the best opportunity I’ve ever had in the BTCC.”

That early confirmation has allowed Taylor-Smith and the team to shift focus immediately towards development.

“We’ve already been working flat-out,” he said. “I’ve been in contact with Craig Porley almost daily since everything was agreed. This is the time of year when races are won and lost.

“By the time you arrive at Donington in April, it’s too late. This championship is about finding an edge, and getting signed early has allowed us to do exactly that going into 2026."

Asked to reflect on the highlights of his 2025, Taylor-Smith points not only to on-track performances but also to the progress made off-track.

“We had some really strong runs at Donington GP and Silverstone,” he said. “Those weekends showed me the path to success.

“But what I’m most proud of is the work we did behind the scenes. Not every weekend went our way, and we had issues that were out of our control, but we showed real resilience.”

“That’s something you absolutely need in this championship,” he added. “With 40 races now, nobody is going to have a perfect season. It’s about bouncing back, and I think we showed that really well, particularly later in the year.”

Taylor-Smith also welcomes the introduction of the Qualifying Race format, believing it adds excitement while placing greater emphasis on preparation.

“If you told me we were racing more, I’d always say yes,” he smiled. “All I want to do is drive these cars.

“It does put more pressure on preparation, though. If you turn up and something isn’t right in free practice, your whole weekend can be compromised. You need to know exactly what you’re doing with the setup, and the mechanics need to be spot on.”

“I think it spices things up,” he added. “Change is good. Fans want action, and the sprint format is really exciting. It’s reignited the championship, and I honestly think we’re heading into one of the most exciting seasons yet.”

Looking ahead, Taylor-Smith is clear in both ambition and mindset. “I want to do everyone proud who I represent,” he said. “That’s the most important thing.

“But I believe we can win races. I know I can win races. I’m going into this season feeling like I’ve got everything I need to do the best job I’ve ever done in this championship.”

Confidence is matched by commitment, with Taylor-Smith already deep into his off-season preparations.

“There’s no off day now,” he admitted. “I’ve been on the simulator every single day since the last race, even on Christmas Day!

“This is my life. There are no lifeboats. People see us on ten Sundays a year, but they don’t see the early starts, the stress. That’s a massive undertaking in itself.”

Now entering his 11th season in the championship, the significance of the moment is not lost on him.

“It still feels surreal,” he said. “This is everything I ever dreamt of growing up, and I’m incredibly proud to be doing it.

“These months are about simulator work, communication with engineers and maximising partnerships. Getting everything signed early has given us a huge head start, and now it’s about using that advantage properly.”