NEWS // BTCC TESTING @ THRUXTON

With only 42 days to go before the opening round of this years Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, several teams took the chance to get to grips with Britains fastest circuit on Friday.

Thruxton circuit which plays host to the opening round on April 4th, saw West Surrey Racing, Motorbase,Team Dynamics, Forster Motorsport and Special Tuning UK all gain valuable test mileage as preperations for the coming season gain pace... [read more]

With four 55 minute sessions available throughout the day, track time was virtually unlimited and apart from a heavy hail storm late in the day the majority of running was in bright and dry conditions.

Reigning BTCC champion Colin Turkington had his first chance to reacquaint himself with the BMW 320si that he piloted to the title last year, while 2009 Renault Clio Cup runner up Alex MacDowall also had a run out in the newly liveried white BMW. WSR also ran an unmarked all orange BMW for Andy Neate who like MacDowall is keen on obtaining a confirmed seat in the series for 2010.

Tom Boardman, who last week was officially confirmed as an entrant for this year, got an early chance to familiarize himself with the airfield circuit once more after having spent last season racing all over the globe in the WTCC.

Again as last week at Rockingham double BTCC champion Matt Neal was on hand for Team Dynamics, putting more mileage on the heavily revised Honda Civic. Team Motobase had a single BMW in attendance with Rob Collard (above) taking on the driving duties at his local circuit.

New BTCC team Forster Motorsport also got the chance to complete further testing with one of their recently acquired BMW's as they look ahaed to their debut in the championship.

Along with the BTCC teams the circuit also saw other competitors from various UK championships ranging from Formula Renault to British GT.










Photo/Editorial: Neil Tozer