With just over a month to go to the official 2015 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship Season Launch (24 March), a number of teams are currently taking advantage of open test sessions at circuits all over the country.
This week, Thruxton in Hampshire will welcome a wide selection of teams from up and down the BTCC pit lane, with some familiar faces joined by drivers and cars that will be new to the championship in 2015. Wednesday afternoon and a full day on Thursday will give teams plenty to work on around the UK’s fastest circuit ahead of the BTCC’s visit in May.
Andrew Jordan will continue his pre-season testing programme with Triple Eight Racing in the Pirtek Racing MG6 following a maiden run last week at Brands Hatch. After stepping out of the car for the first time, the 2013 champion said, “First impressions are that the general feeling’s pretty similar [to the Honda] to be honest. It is all the same running gear, so there aren’t too many differences in terms of fundamentals. From the moment I started I wanted to be a full factory driver, so the outcome of that happening is something I’ve had plenty of time to consider. Last year I took to the grid as champion and that brought about an added confidence; I feel the same about being a works driver.”
Some other cars we’ve seen hit the track already this year include the Ford Focus machines of Mike Bushell for AmDTuning.com and Alex Martin in the Dextra Racing car, and both will be getting more miles under their belts this week.
With the recent confirmation that Rob Collard will remain with West Surrey Racing for another season, West Surrey Racing is one squad that will be out in force at Thruxton. Collard will be joined by race-winning young-gun Sam Tordoff as well as star signing Andy Priaulx who will be getting behind the wheel of the championship-winning BMW 1 Series for the very first time.
For a full testing timetable click here.
Entry is free to the public, so it’s a great opportunity to get a taste of the action before the only official pre-season test at the Season Launch.
