 The TWR backed Volvo squad, after an ultimately disappointing 1996 despite 5 wins, introduced a new car for 1997, replacing the 850 model with the sleek new S40.Swede Rickard Rydell, again drove alongside former Ford driver Kelvin Burt.The sole victory came for Rydell at Brands Hatch in August whilst Kelvin Burt scored just one podium in the opening race of the year 

Honda, now having their pair of Accords run by the Prodrive team, had arguably the most exciting driver line-up for '97.