Get ready for a thrilling comeback in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC)! Plato Racing is officially joining the 2026 season with a bold move that’s already turning heads. In a recent exclusive with Motorsport News, the team confirmed its entry with not one, but two Mercedes-AMG A35 Saloons, marking a significant return for the iconic silver arrow to the BTCC grid.
But here's where it gets controversial: Jason Plato, the two-time BTCC champion with an impressive 97 race wins under his belt, is not just returning as a driver—he’s stepping into the role of team boss for Plato Racing. Announced last September during the BTCC’s live ITV4 broadcast from Silverstone, Plato’s comeback has been anything but quiet. His decision to partner with Mercedes-AMG has sparked debates among fans and competitors alike. Is this the winning formula for 2026, or a risky gamble?
And this is the part most people miss: Plato Racing didn’t just secure its entry overnight. In December, the team obtained two TOCA BTCC Licences (TBLs), a crucial step for official participation. Behind the scenes, they’ve also enlisted the expertise of RML, a globally renowned engineering firm, to design and build their race cars. Plato himself revealed to Motorsport News why the Mercedes-AMG A35 stood out: ‘We evaluated over five different car models, but the A35 Saloon was in a league of its own. It doesn’t just sound like a rocket—we’re building it to perform like one!’
TOCA’s visit to Plato Racing’s new facility late last year sealed the deal, with all plans approved and ready for action. The team will kick things off with a shakedown in late February, followed by official pre-season tests at Croft (March 24-25) and Brands Hatch (April 8).
For context, the last time a Mercedes graced the BTCC grid was in 2020, when Ciceley Motorsport retired its victorious A-Class Hatchback after seven seasons of success. Now, Plato Racing is poised to reignite the brand’s legacy. Will they dominate, or face unexpected challenges? Only time will tell.
This announcement has already made front-page news, and you can dive into the full story in this week’s Motorsport News. But here’s the real question: Do you think Plato Racing’s Mercedes-AMG A35 Saloons will redefine the BTCC in 2026, or is this a move that could backfire? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re all ears!
