Rory Butcher will remain with Toyota Gazoo Racing UK for the 2022 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season, following confirmation this morning that he will once again pilot a Speedworks-prepared Corolla GR Sport.
This will be the Scotsman's second consecutive season racing for the Japanese manufacturer's works outfit in the BTCC, after a race-winning switch to the team for last season.
The former Independents' Champion and Jack Sears Trophy winner, Butcher has established himself as a front-running contender in the BTCC over the past few seasons, and he's aiming to take things to the next level with an outright title challenge in 2022. The nine-time race-winner finished seventh overall in 2021 and ended the season in strong form to head into the off-season full of confidence.
The 30-round BTCC season begins at Donington Park on 23/24 April at Donington Park ahead of visits to other MSV venues at Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Snetterton over the following months.
Team Principal Christian Dick said: "Rory had a great first year with us in 2021 and, by the end of it, he was a regular front-runner in the Corolla. It made perfect sense to extend our partnership into a second season, when the goalposts will very naturally shift as we look to challenge for the championship.
Butcher said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be returning to the BTCC for my fifth full season in the championship. To be coming back with the same team and car is a first for me, and that continuity can only be a positive - especially as we head into the new hybrid era, with all the changes that will entail. Not needing to gel with different people or a different car will be one less thing to have to worry about, and it means we can put everything we've learned together so far to good use.
"I made no secret of the fact that it took me a little while to completely get to grips with the Corolla last year; there was a lot to adapt to but once we 'clicked', we were quick pretty much everywhere, which fills me with a lot of confidence going forward. We know we still have a few areas that need ironing out to fully maximise the car's potential, but we have so much data to draw upon and with the pre-season development we have planned, there's no reason at all why we shouldn't be pushing for wins at every circuit."
Tickets for all 2022 BTCC events at MSV circuits are on sale now with free entry for under-13s. For more information click here.