Why did Ronan Pearson leave BTCC?

Ronan Pearson has announced he will step down from his TOYOTA GAZOO Racing with IAA seat for the remaining British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) citing personal reasons and unforeseen commercial hurdles.

The 23-year-old Scot, who joined the team at the start of the 2025 campaign, has shown impressive form in his debut season, achieving seven points finishes and making an immediate impact by reaching the ‘Quick Six’ in qualifying at Donington Park.

However, Pearson released a heartfelt statement confirming his decision to step aside.

“It is with great disappointment that I have chosen to step down from my 2025 BTCC seat. This decision has been made for personal reasons and with the full support of my partners.” 

 “After the disappointment of 2024, my partners and I have worked incredibly hard to put a programme together for 2025. It has been far from easy, and putting everything you have 24/7 into being on the grid can take its toll.”

Pearson expressed gratitude towards his supporters, adding: “When the time is right, myself and the amazing team at Fewkes Sport Management will look at the future and the next chapter. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with messages of support and concern. It means a lot.”

(Image: BTCC) 

Team Principal Disappointed to Lose Pearson 

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK Team Principal Christian Dick voiced his disappointment at Pearson’s absence from the squad’s home event at Oulton Park.

“We are very sorry that Ronan will not be racing with us this weekend – all the more so given it is the event we look forward to the most, with Oulton Park being our home track,” said Dick. 

“Ronan has been a key member of the team since joining us back at the beginning of the year and has demonstrated his speed and skill in the Corolla on numerous occasions.”

Dick acknowledged the commercial challenges that led to the difficult decision:

“Sadly, in this day and age, commercial considerations often speak loudest and while both sides have explored every feasible option, we ultimately had to accept that it will be impossible for Ronan to be in the car at Oulton.”

Pearson’s substitute for the weekend, who will join teammates Gordon Shedden, Árón Taylor-Smith, and James Dorlin, is set to be confirmed tomorrow (19 June).

 

What is next for Toyota Gazoo Racing?

Despite this setback, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK heads to Oulton Park confident with a strong showing at Thruxton, which marked their best performance of the season with a double top ten qualifying result and four top ten race finishes.