Paul O'Neill and John George (Photo Credit: speedsnaps.co.uk)
After enduring a pointless weekend at Knockhill, the GoMobileUK.com with Tech–Speed Motorsport squad are confident of returning to the form they showed at Snetterton this weekend at Rockingham.
“We thought that Knockhill was going to be a good weekend for us and obviously it wasn't the case,” said lead driver Paul O'Neill. “The turbo cars seemed to benefit from the hills in Scotland a lot more than we expected, but Rockingham is a lot flatter and I'm going there more confident of some good results, although it's still going to be tough.”
“The long run round the oval is pretty much flat out so – in theory – the turbo cars shouldn't be able to use their torque quite as much and the infield is quite technical, so we have to try and make sure we use the strength of the chassis through that section. It's hard to make predictions until we get on track and we'll have to see how it goes, but hopefully we can match the kind of results we gained at Snetterton.”
As well as the potential leveller offered by the Northamptonshire roval the turbocharged cars will once more restricted further once more following their dominance at Knockhill. Another decrease in maximum boost pressure is mandated, as well as a 20kg increase in minimum weight.
Even before these changes, Rockingham, unique on the BTCC calendar for its part oval layout should present a chance for the normally aspirated cars, especially the Cruzes of O'Neill and George, around the technical infield on the 1.94 mile track, while the NGTC spec cars are still expected to hold the advantage around the sweeping banked turn one.
Last season O'Neill scored a podium at Rockingham driving the Honda Integra, and having scored a second place at Snetterton in August knows the Chevrolet Cruze he drives this year has the potential to match that result. Teammate John George, however, has his sights set on a points finisher, but is resigned to having to fight hard against the turbocharged cars.
