#22 Tom Boardman
Tom Boardman returns to the UK Racing scene for his first full-time attack since winning the Seat Cupra Championship in 2005.
Boardman spent 2009 racing alongside Tom Coronel in the Sunred Engineering outfit in the FIA World Touring Car Championship, where he took a single Independent victory during the season – this win did come at Brands Hatch though.
Before the WTCC graduation, Boardman had competed in the Spanish Seat Supercopa series, alongside the WTCC Supporting Eurocup. Boardman won the Spanish Seat Supercopa in 2008, taking 6 wins in 18 races, and finished 6th in the WTCC Support event.
Boardman has joined the 2010 BTCC grid in the petrol powered Seat Leon that he used in the WTCC, his car will be the only Seat on the grid.
When the announcement was made, the team said that they hoped to sign up a second driver to partner Boardman this year.
“Although the decision to contest the BTCC came quite late, I'm really looking forward to 2010, as I have missed racing in the UK for a few years now. It's going to be difficult with the number of experienced drivers that will continue in the BTCC this year, but we have set our targets high.” Commented Boardman when it was announced he would join the grid.
Season Prediction:
Boardman, being the only Leon on the grid will have the expectations of all Seat fans on his shoulders, but his experiences of the WTCC and the leading WTCC Independent team should help him.
The downside is that the Leon is underpowered, and without a team mate, it'll be a learning curve for the team.
TCF Driver Prediction:
Boardman: Will score solid points, could luck into a podium finish on a reverse grid race or a wet race. 12th.