BTCC - Donington Park GP

The Donington Park GP brings the British Touring Car Championship to the full Grand Prix Circuit at Donington Park in Leicestershire, England. This race uses the longer 2.498-mile layout that features 12 turns and significant elevation changes. The Grand Prix Circuit offers a more technical challenge than the National Circuit, testing drivers across a variety of corner types and speeds.

Donington Park stands as the first permanent park circuit in England, established in 1931. The venue has hosted motorsport for over nine decades and remains a cornerstone of British racing. The circuit gained international recognition when it hosted the 1993 European Grand Prix. MotorSport Vision owns the circuit and has invested in modern facilities including improved paddock areas, updated grandstands, and hospitality venues.

The BTCC runs three races at this event, each one offering close competition between multiple manufacturers. Teams compete with cars built to Next Generation Touring Car regulations, which create a level playing field for all competitors. The 2-litre turbo-charged engines produce over 350 bhp, and the series has switched to 100% sustainable fuel derived from synthetic and biological sources. The removal of hybrid systems has reduced car weight by approximately 55 kg, changing the handling characteristics.

Several leading teams hold TOCA BTCC Licences for the season. Excelr8 Motorsport, West Surrey Racing, Alliance Racing, and Speedworks Motorsport each run four cars. Power Maxed Racing, Un-Limited Motorsport, Restart Racing, and One Motorsport each field two cars. Drivers like Jake Hill, Tom Ingram, Ash Sutton, Dan Cammish, Gordon Shedden, and Josh Cook bring championship experience to the grid. Multiple manufacturers including BMW, Hyundai, Ford, Toyota, and Honda compete across the season.

The Grand Prix Circuit at Donington Park demands precision through its varied corners. Coppice proves particularly influential, as drivers must exit cleanly to carry speed onto Dunlop Straight. The circuit combines fast flowing sections with tight technical areas, rewarding drivers who can adapt their style. The elevation changes add another layer of complexity, affecting braking points and car balance.

BTCC technical regulations continue to evolve while maintaining competitive balance. The TOCA Turbo Boost system adjusts available boost based on championship position, helping to keep the racing close. Teams can choose between the TOCA engine or developing their own powerplant. Tyre strategy plays a role, as teams select when to deploy their Option tyre compound across the three races.

Donington Park first hosted a BTCC race in 1977, establishing a long relationship with the championship. The circuit has witnessed countless memorable battles and championship-deciding moments. The venue can accommodate 120,000 spectators and offers viewing from multiple vantage points around the circuit. Support races typically include the Wera Tools F4 British Championship, Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain, and the Vertu MINI Challenge, creating a full day of motorsport action.

The Donington Park GP event showcases touring car racing on a circuit that has hosted everything from pre-war Grand Prix races to modern championships. The combination of the technical Grand Prix layout and close BTCC competition creates compelling racing across all three races. The sustainable fuel initiative demonstrates the championship's commitment to environmental responsibility while maintaining performance. This event represents a key moment in the BTCC season, with teams and drivers pushing for valuable championship points on one of Britain's most historic racing circuits.