BTCC outfit Power Maxed Racing have confirmed that they will develop the Audi S3 to race in the championship from 2026 onwards.

The choice of a programme with the German saloon was based on the aerodynamic properties of the car as the team replaces their recently lost Vauxhall Astra machines. Designed to meet the current NGTC ruleset, the cars will also be eligible for the updated BTCC regulations due to come into force in 2027.

Power Maxed have remained on the grid this season with the Cupra Leon since Knockhill as a jury-rigged solution allowing Mikey Doble and Nick Halstead to finish the season, while keeping Doble in the Independent Driver championship chase. The uncompetitive Cupra has returned a best result of tenth for a team that returned to winning ways with the Astra earlier this year.

Team owner Adam Weaver said: “We’re incredibly excited to announce the switch to the Audi S3 saloon for 2026. The BTCC is all about pushing boundaries and staying competitive, and we believe the Audi platform gives us a fantastic base to build from. We’re committed to delivering a car that not only looks the part but can fight at the front of the grid from Round 1. Selecting the Audi platform was both strategic and competitive, as we believe the shape gives us an advantage and it also fits well with both existing and potential brand partners.”

The German marque has a chequered history in the BTCC. A 1980 entry tempted Sir Stirling Moss out of retirement where he was paired with future F1 driver and Le Mans winner Martin Brundle. A second entry in 1996 was far more successful on and off the track.

The works four-wheel-drive A4 took Frank Biela to the title while the company saw sales in the UK jump from 25,000 units per year (their best ever in 1996) to 40,000 three seasons later when they exited Super Touring.

Audi returned to the grid with Rob Austin Racing in 2011 when the NGTC rules were introduced. That version of the A4 would see Austin take a pair of wins in the variant. The S3 also raced in its previous generation form with a single victory at the hands of Jake Hill in 2019.

Power Maxed, who are also developing the new Junior series car that joins the TOCA package in 2027, will hope their new machine brings more success than those two programmes. Team manager Martin Broadhurst said: ““Developing a new car is always a challenge, but it’s one the entire PMR squad relishes. We’ve already started work on the design and development of the Audi S3 saloon, and the early data looks extremely promising. Fans can expect the same passion, flair, and determination that Power Maxed Racing has always brought to the BTCC.”

Alliance/Motorbase have been on more than one occasion mentioned as being the team likely to return Audi to the series. As far back as 2022 the team discussed replacing the Ford Focus for 2023, but opted to retain the Ford Focus. After redeveloping the machine Ash Sutton went on to produce one of the most dominant season-long performances on the way to his third title with 12 wins.

Alliance have publicly been the most vocal team when it comes to talking about opting for a new model. The Focus is now seen as having reached the end of its development life.