The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship has announced an exciting change to its qualifying format, which will be in operation at all ten race weekends of the 2024 season and beyond. 

Similar to what is currently being used in IndyCar, the format – titled the ‘Quick Six’ – will see qualifying feature three short segments and it’s expected to promote plenty of excitement for fans and competitors alike. 

Following Free Practice 2, cars will be divided into two groups. Those that finished FP2 in odd position numbers (one, three, five and so on…) go into one group and those that finished FP2 in even position numbers (two, four, six and so on…) go into the other group.

Qualifying 1

• Each of those two groups contest a separate ten-minute session
• The fastest six cars from each group advance to Q2 ‘Top 12’

Qualifying 2 

• The ‘Top 12’ cars qualify together in a ten-minute session
• The fastest six cars advance to the Q3 ‘Quick Six’ final qualifying

Qualifying 3 

• The ‘Quick Six’ qualify in a ten-minute session to set the top six grid positions

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: “We’re always looking to bring further energy to the championship, but it’s also important that the competitive integrity remains. 

“So, I believe our new ‘Quick Six’ format will bring a heightened blend of competitiveness and intensity to BTCC qualifying. As well, it helps the drivers by reducing the amount of cars on track during all three of the qualifying segments.

“I’ve long admired the way IndyCar use this system for its road courses – it’s ideal for the BTCC and in keeping with our policy of providing short, sharp and intense action. The pressure will certainly be on the teams and drivers, more than ever before, to quickly ‘nail’ their qualifying laps in each short segment.”