Sam Touzel and Max Freeman will make the step into the British Rally Championship’s top-flight BRC1 category in 2026, following a commanding run to the 2025 Open Rally Title.
Piloting a Ford Fiesta Rally2, the Jersey driver was untouchable on asphalt throughout the campaign, claiming victory on every sealed-surface round he contested and wrapping up the title at Rali Ceredigion with a round to spare. It was a statement season on only his second year in four-wheel-drive machinery, and contesting many of the events for the first time in the process.
His performances not only secured the Open title but also saw him crowned National Asphalt Rally Champion, an impressive double that confirmed his status as an asphalt ace.
Yet even amid that success, Touzel was already looking ahead. Keen to broaden his experience and prepare for the demands of rallying’s top tier, he tackled the gravel-based Cambrian Rally, his first competitive outing on a loose surface. With no prior gravel experience in the Fiesta Rally2, Touzel approached the challenge with his typical optimism, and despite the challenges of the October Welsh weather, some good pace followed.
Now, he and Freeman will mount a full assault on the BRC title.
‘I’m super excited to be entering the BRC1 category and super excited for the challenges ahead the steepest learning curve for me” said Touzel.
‘This season is going to be about learning the gravel with the conditions and the changes of the surface of the road. Let’s get the preparation right with the right people around us, and hopefully we’ll be in the mix”.
