The nation’s top racing drivers return to Norfolk this August (2/3), when the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship makes its annual visit to Snetterton.
2009 champion Colin Turkington leads a close championship battle, following a recent spell of good form in his eBay Motors BMW. He is closely pursued by fellow champions Gordon Shedden and Andew Jordan, the current title-holder, who both compete in variations of the Honda Civic.
There are plenty of other manufacturers represented on the grid, with double title-winner Jason Plato leading a factory MG assault. Both Plato and team mate Sam Tordoff have stood on the top step of the podium, and the MG showed very strongly at Snetterton last season.
Ford, Vauxhall, Toyota, Proton, Chevrolet, Audi and Mercedes will also be represented, ensuring one of the most diverse touring car grids ever seen at Snetterton.
The drivers will arrive in Norfolk after a five-week break, Turkington using the time to tie the knot with his fiancée, and Jordan focussing on closing the gap in the title fight.
Jordan said: "We're going to do some testing in the break. We'll be busy going through data, looking at where we can improve both the car and myself. We won't stop working."
Honda Racing’s Shedden, champion in 2012, holds second place in the standings. He took two second places and a fourth last time out at Croft and already has two wins under his belt. "The BMWs have taken a big step forward in the last couple of race meetings,” he said. “So we need to use the break wisely. We'll go testing, but the thing is the car feels fantastic and compared to the other front-wheel-drive cars we're right up there."
By contrast, Shedden’s triple-champion team-mate Matt Neal and returning European heroes Fabrizio Giovanardi (Ford Focus) and Alain Menu (Volkswagen CC) have endured a tough start to the year, but the trio will be aiming to impress the Norfolk crowd.
With a mixture of long straights and a tight infield section, the Snetterton 300 circuit is set to provide the ultimate test for teams and drivers. Spectators will have a superb view of the racing from the venue's panoramic viewing areas and grandstands, plus there will be giant TV screens showing all of the action.
In addition to three BTCC races on the Sunday, there will be action from the Ginetta GT Supercup, Ginetta Juniors, Porsche Carrera Cup GB, Renault UK Clio Cup and Formula Ford GB. With a free pitwalk and autograph session on the Sunday, free children’s adventure playground, trade village and weekend camping, a great atmosphere is guaranteed.
Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship top five standings
1, Colin Turkington, eBay Motors, BMW 125i, 228
2, Gordon Shedden, Honda Racing, Honda Civic Tourer, 221
3, Andrew Jordan, Pirtek Racing, Honda Civic, 200
4, Jason Plato, MG, MG6, 179
5, Rob Collard, eBay Motors, BMW 125i, 170
Tickets for the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Snetterton are available from £26, with free entry for children aged 12 and under. For mo re information call 0843 453 9000 or visit www.snetterton.co.uk
