Get ready for the ‘Race to Pole’

The 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship will kick off at Donington Park this Saturday (18 April), and history will be made as the all-new Qualifying Race is run for the very first time.

The ‘Race to Pole’ was introduced during the off-season following a meeting between Series Organiser – TOCA – and its competing teams, when it was decided that a short, sharp Qualifying Race would take place every Saturday at every race weekend. Not only will this race set the grid for Sunday’s opener, but it was also agreed that a further 100 points would be made available during the season, providing an historic and significant dynamic shift in the overall race for the championship.

After the one 40-minute Free Practice takes place, the finishing order will be split into two groups, odd-finishing-numbers (Group 1) and even-finishing-numbers (Group 2). Each group will get a 15-minute qualifying session to set their fastest times. The group with the fastest qualifying time will occupy the odd-numbered grid positions for the Qualifying Race, ordered by their respective qualifying times. The other group will occupy the even-numbered grid positions, also ordered by qualifying times.

15 minutes after the qualifying session for Group 2 has concluded, the standard grid procedure for a race start begins, and the pit lane opens. The finishing order of the shorter, roughly 15-minute ‘Race to Pole’ will determine the grid for the first of Sunday’s traditional trio of races.

Half-points are awarded for the Qualifying Race. There are no bonus points for leading a lap, the fastest lap, or for pole position for the Qualifying Race, whereas the bonus points for leading a lap and the fastest lap are still available on Sunday. Making 76 the highest score across a race weekend, more than the 67 of recent years.

Qualifying and the Qualifying Race can be found LIVE on the ITV Sport YouTube Channel worldwide for the very first time this Saturday from 13:50. You won't want to miss it!