New Honda Civic 2012 BTCC Race Car Under Development

We've recently shown you a teaser photo of the new European Honda Civic, which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show, and now we have news that the car will also have a racing version, which Honda will use in next year's British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).

The carmaker's BTCC partner, Team Dynamics, is currently building two race cars based on the new Civic. The Honda Racing team plans to take part in the championship as a complete "works" team and wants to have the same results as last year, when it managed to win both the Teams' and the Manufacturers' titles.

“We are delighted to enter the new Civic in next year’s BTCC, and hope to build on the success we’ve already had with the current model.We’ve made significant improvements to the new road car, and we’re confident those changes will make for a competitive race car too.” said Dave Hodgetts, Managing Director of Honda (UK).

Honda hasn't announced the complete driver line-up and the sponsors for the 2012 season yet, but we do know that Matt Neal will be driving one of the cars.

"We are all looking forward to 2012, and from my point of view it is very exciting to have the prospect of driving the new Honda Civic," Honda Racing Team driver, Matt Neal said.

“The team’s development of the car is already well underway, and the new Civic will fit the BTCC's 'Next Generation Touring Car' regulations. I'm sure it will keep Honda at the front, and in the winner's circle, both off and on track!" the driver added.