Japanese racer Osamu Kawashima took up a seat in the Speedworks Motorsport Toyota Avensis yesterday in testing at Donington Park.

Kawashima made his UK racing debut back in 2013 with Century Motorsport in the Michelin Ginetta GT SuperCup. He then entered the Ginetta GT5 Challenge in 2014 before graduating into the Michelin Ginetta GT4 SuperCup for 2015.

A maiden foray out on track in a BTCC car was a proud moment for the 47-year-old, who dreams of being a figurehead for the championship back in his homeland.

"I was very happy with how things went yesterday," said Kawashima. "I appreciate Speedworks Motorsport's help and guidance and the help from Tom (Ingram). Testing a BTCC car is something that fills me with great pride.

"Over the course of the day I spent lots of time in the car and I really am grateful to the team for this opportunity. With Tom having made the switch from Ginetta machinery into the BTCC himself, his advice was invaluable to me as I got to grips with the Toyota.

"My dream is to race in the BTCC, and I am hoping to get a deal together for 2017. I want to be the driver who takes BTCC to Japan and makes it as popular there as it is in places like the United States."