BTCC: Team HARD. to use CUPRA Leon bodies in 2021

Team HARD. have announced that they will be using at least two CUPRA Leon models for 2021’s BTCC season.

Having been the team to bring in the Volkswagen CC in 2013, the Kent-based operation have utilised the body multiple times since, including this year.

However, poor outings across the season so far have prompted the team to look elsewhere for inspiration.

The CUPRA brand has been very successful across the world in various TCR series since its formation in 2018.

Seat, the parent marque, have also been race winners in the British Touring Cars.

Team HARD.’s Managing Director, Tony Gilham, said:

“We are delighted to be bringing in a new marque to the BTCC. The Volkswagen CC has enjoyed a great deal of success over its life but it’s time for change as we look to the new, hybrid era of touring cars. We have done a lot of research and we believe that the dimensions and overall shape of the CUPRA Leon will work perfectly with the current NGTC regulations that are in the BTCC. A lot of hard work and countless hours lie ahead but we are confident that we can turn this new car into a competitive beast that will be mixing it at the front from the get-go next season.”

BTCC Chief Executive, Alan Gow, said:

“It’s always fantastic to see more new cars join the BTCC, this time with Team HARD Racing. We set out the NGTC regulations to allow for great diversity and having the CUPRA Leon on the grid is further proof of the strength of those regulations. This new project from Team HARD Racing should help this popular team advance up the grid in 2021. I look forward to seeing the step forward Team HARD. Racing can make with completely new cars from next season.”