The British Touring Car Championship family was very sad to hear of the death of Sir Frank Williams, a legend of the sport and a man who enjoyed a raft of success in the BTCC.

Former racer Williams was an entrepreneur in the truest sense, building up his own race preparations firm and parts supply business to become a major player and, at the same time, focusing on his ambitions to create his own racing team.

Once that was achieved, Williams Grand Prix Engineering became the benchmark in Formula 1 in the 1980s with some smart technical solutions and a desire to succeed that was unmatched.

With victory in the top-flight already assured, WGPE looked to expand its operations. Along with Renault, it entered the British Touring Car Championship in 1995 with the Renault Laguna model.

Within three meetings of that initial season, the team was a winner with headline driver Alain Menu going on to claim the crown in 1997. Williams set new benchmarks in terms of operations and professionalism which helped push the BTCC forward and those are philosophies and attitudes that have been copied by many who have graced the entry list since. 

British Touring Car Championship chief executive Alan Gow said: “Frank was such a fierce competitor, which showed through right from the beginning of his team’s BTCC assault. 

“He knew exactly the resources needed to be successful, brought a new level to the Championship and was entirely honourable in all my dealings with him.  Rest in peace Sir Frank.”

On behalf of all BTCC teams, drivers, partners and supporters TOCA send our thoughts and condolences to the Williams family.