Following a close season of many rule and regulation changes, the 2024 British Touring Car Championship season got underway, albeit with weather delays, at  Donington Park. The first change to be seen by the fans was in Saturday?s qualifying session. 

Qualifying

In a change to the norm, the BTCC is now using an IndyCar style format with the field split into two groups and from that, the quickest drivers go forward to another session, where six are knocked out, leaving the pole shootout between the remaining six drivers.

Tom Ingram secured first on the grid, with reigning champion Ash Sutton joining him on the front row. The BMWs of Colin Turkington and Jake Hill were next, ahead of Ronan Pearson and Andrew Watson. 
Race One, 3/10 – Tom Ingram, Ash Sutton, Jake Hill

Following a delay well over two hours because of rain and water running across the track, Ingram held the lead as the lights went out and although Turkington challenged strongly, he ended up making no progress after being on the outside line with Hill subsequently moving to second and Sutton in third. 

Sam Osborne?s Focus found its way flying across the grass before having a heavy side impact with the barriers half way down the Craner Curves on the opening lap. Due to the damage to the barriers, the safety car was needed until Lap 16! 

As racing resumed, Josh Cook and a speedy Adam Morgan overtook several in front of them to make good inroads in the top t...