OLIVIER ALGIERI TARGETS JCW DRIVE WITH EXCELR8 SWITCH

Olivier Algieri has set his sights on a move up to the headline JCW class of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE in 2026 after agreeing a deal to join forces with EXCELR8 for the final event on the Cooper calendar this weekend.

Algieri made his debut in the series mid-way through the 2024 season before returning for a full campaign this year, with his eyes firmly fixed on challenging for the championship crown.

After a difficult start to the campaign, Algieri showed his pace with wins at Brands Hatch and Thruxton – both of which came in front of bumper crowds as the Cooper field did battle alongside the British Touring Car Championship.

Unfortunately, circumstances outside his control ended Algieri’s title hopes, although he added to his podium tally last time out at Silverstone with a solid run to third place in race two.

As he now evaluates his future plans and a potential move to JCWs for 2026, Algieri will now join forces with the most successful team in MINI CHALLENGE history for the final three races of the Cooper season with the Llandudno-based racer hopeful of ending the year on a high.

“I’m hugely excited to be joining forces with such a huge outfit as EXCELR8,” he said. “They are a team that I’ve always looked up to as a driver, and I couldn’t be happier to now have the chance to be part of the line-up for the final round of the Cooper season at Brands Hatch.

“Hopefully this can be the first step towards what could potentially be an even more exciting 2026 and I’d like to thank Carlos from NEX3PL Global Logistics for the never ending support, Bianca from 24 Productions and also Justina at EXCELR8 for all the support in getting me out on track for the finale.”

EXCELR8 team owner Justina Williams was thrilled to welcome Algieri into the line-up.

“Olivier has been extremely impressive from the first weekend he joined the Cooper grid last season, where he was immediately on the pace at the front of the field,” she said.

“Throughout the year, he has consistently been one of the quickest drivers on the grid and we’re delighted to now welcome him into the line-up for the finale. Hopefully it will be the start of a successful relationship together that we can then build on in 2026.”