MB Motorsport was left lamenting ‘what could have been’ after a disappointing end to the British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch.

The Laser Tools Racing team went into the weekend in contention for both the Independent Drivers’ and Teams’ titles, but left it having dropped to fifth and seventh in the Independent Drivers’ points and third overall in the Independent Teams’ standings.

After qualifying in eighth and 14th respectively in Saturday afternoon’s qualifying race, both Árón Taylor-Smith and Gordon Shedden went into Sunday hoping to take the fight to their rivals.

However, things quickly unravelled for the team. Heading up to Druids on the opening lap of race one, Shedden was rear-ended by Adam Morgan’s Mercedes, in turn knocking him into the Hyundai of Tom Chilton. The Scot limped back to the pits with his bonnet up and substantial rear-end damage.

Taylor-Smith’s race didn’t last much longer; contact with Charles Rainford’s BMW on the run to Sheene curve on the opening lap caused an overheating issue on his Toyota and he would pit a couple of laps later to drop out of contention.

Six laps into the second race and both drivers were again caught up in drama. As a pack of cars went toe-to-toe into Paddock Hill Bend, Rainford hit the rear-end of Taylor-Smith’s Toyota, sending him into Shedden’s car. Shedden was immediately out of the race in the gravel, whilst Taylor-Smith finished down in 18th.

With no points on the board in Sunday’s races, the season finale fared only slightly better. Three-time champion Shedden hauled himself from last on the grid up to ninth at the chequered flag, but Taylor-Smith and Shedden came together near the end of the race, resulting in the Irishman once again making contact with Rainford – for the third time in as many races – ending his race in the barriers.

As a result, Shedden fell to 11th in the drivers’ championship standings, whilst Taylor-Smith finished the year 15th.

“It wasn’t the finale we wanted, and Gordon’s drive in the last race was the one highlight of the weekend.” Said Sporting Director Mark Blundell.

“Looking at the season as a whole, we’ve taken two race wins and finished third in the Independent Teams Championship and fifth in the Teams standings.

“It isn’t the result we had hoped for, but I can’t fault the effort of every member of the team.

“My thanks go to Laser Tools Racing, all of our partners and the whole crew for their hard work this year.”

Shedden was relieved to at least end the final race with a recovery drive through the field.

“All in all, it was a very disappointing way to end our campaign,” said Shedden. “After the way the first two races went, the only thing to do in the last one was to go for it.

“Coming through the field to ninth made for an enjoyable race and a nice way to sign off.

“There have been some highs this season, that win included, and I want to thank everyone at the team and all of our partners for their support.”

Taylor-Smith was still proud of his season, which saw him claim a first win in almost ten years at Brands Hatch back in May.

“Saturday was encouraging; we found good pace in qualifying, and the car felt strong in the Qualifying Race, so I went into Sunday feeling positive,” said the Irishman.

“Unfortunately, it just didn’t come together, and that’s motorsport sometimes.

“It’s frustrating to end the year that way, but there’s a lot I’m proud of in 2026, especially our win earlier in the year.

“Thanks to the whole team, our partners and the fans who’ve supported us all season.”