BRANDS HATCH, UK - Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport’s ambitious plans for the 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship stepped up another gear this week, with the official Season Launch at Brands Hatch.
The series’ annual pre-season sojourn to the iconic Kent circuit provided the media with an opportunity to meet the stars, and their cars, along with six hours of track running on the 1.2-mile Indy configuration for the final official pre-season test.
That gave the BTCC’s ever-fanatical trackside crowd another opportunity to see the team’s striking new Toyota Corolla GR Sport challengers out on track, driven by three-time BTCC Champion Gordon Shedden, and 2024 Independents Trophy winner Aron Taylor-Smith.
The pair completed the team’s programme without issue, banking a total of 214 laps and collecting valuable data as the team continues to refine and develop the race-proven Toyota Corolla, one of the championship’s most successful contemporary machines with 18 race wins, 48 podiums, 5 pole positions and 10 fastest laps since its introduction in 2019.
Taylor-Smith ended the test as the quickest of the two, a best time of 47.644 seconds enough to put the Dubliner seventh overall on the timesheets, with Shedden less than half a tenth of a second further back in eighth.
The 2026 BTCC season begins at Donington Park, Leicestershire over the weekend of 18-19 April.
“Today was definitely productive, and I’m feeling happy with how we performed, both over one lap and also on the longer runs this afternoon.
“One benefit to having our programme confirmed so early in the winter is we’ve been able to maximise our preparation, so at this stage, we’re focusing on incremental performance.
“We’ve definitely made progress, but we’ll have to wait for Donington to see how we stack up against the competition. I’m excited to get going!”
“It’s been another encouraging day for us. At this stage of pre-season, it’s all about the finer details, and it’s clear we’re taking steps in the right direction with the Laser Tools Toyota Corolla.
“I’m excited to get to Donington, see how we measure up and get the new season underway.”
Notes to Editors:
About Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport
Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport is a championship-winning team currently competing in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.
Since joining the series back in 2019, the team have been serial winners, amassing 13 race wins, 40 podium finishes, and the 2024 Drivers’ Championship.
For 2026, the team embarks on an exciting new chapter, expanding to a two-car effort with three-time champion Gordon Shedden and Independents Trophy winner Aron Taylor-Smith coming on board to drive the Laser Tools-backed Toyota Corolla GR Sports, one of the most successful contemporary cars in the category.
About the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship
The British Touring Car Championship is one of the best-loved, most illustrious and famous motor racing championships in the world. Only Formula 1 and America’s NASCAR stock car series have longer histories – since its inception in 1958, it has attracted and captivated millions of fans around the world.
It is widely-regarded as the pinnacle of UK motorsport, and plays out across 40 action-packed races in front of capacity trackside crowds at a number of the nation’s favourite circuits, plus millions more live on ITV’s television coverage.
The cars are highly-modified, thoroughbred racing machines based on everyday road cars, from a number of the world’s most iconic manufacturers, and the racing is famed for being close-quarters, unpredictable and hugely entertaining.
