The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship circus rolls into Silverstone this weekend – but how do the drivers think they’ll fare in the 2012 season’s penultimate races? Here’s a selection as they preview the coming couple of days…
Jason Plato, MG KX Momentum Racing:
“Two words spring to mind this weekend regarding my mind-set. Maximum attack. Enough said.”
Andy Neate, MG KX Momentum Racing:
“When it was dry at Rockingham we were very quick, however when the rain came down on Sunday afternoon we struggled for pace a little. Therefore it was great to get out at Brands last week, post Rockingham and get some much needed wet running in. Fingers crossed for strong pace this weekend come rain or shine!”
Ian Harrison, MG KX Momentum Racing Team Principal:
“We need to make big inroads this weekend; end of story. Strong results in all three races could see us close the gap to the front, in order to take the fight to the final round. We have improved the car in all weather conditions since Rockingham, so it’s mainly down to eliminating the NGTC mechanical gremlins that have caused us problems this season and being on the money with the set up.”
Dave Newsham, Team ES Racing:
“I believe we should have full boost back for Silverstone, the same as Snetterton, and look what we did there. We will be going with a set-up we know works, and I have always gone well there anyway. I scored my first Clio Cup win in 2009 there, last year had my best finish of fourth in the STR Seat too. I have always said, the last two events should suit both me and the Vectra, they are next up and we will have a good level of boost, so maybe sacrificing Rockingham to finish the seasons last two events will be worth it…”
Oly Collins, Redstone Racing Team Manager:
“I’m looking forward to Silverstone; both the S2000 and NGTC Focus should go well round there. Both Aron and Mat are on the back of great performances at Rockingham so I’m positive. It’s also good to have Liam back who wants to finish the year on a high after a short break from racing in the BTCC so we’re hoping for a strong finish to the season at both Silverstone & Brands.”
Mat Jackson, Redstone Racing:
“On the back of three positive results at Rockingham and with the best qualifying performance for the New NGTC ford Focus, I’m hoping that we can now challenge for the podium in the remaining races. We’re still very aware that the testing never stops and Silverstone will be no different as we keep pushing the boundaries of the car as we pursue the works cars for our maiden win. I’m under no illusion that this weekend will be tough; the Silverstone layout always provides close racing and a strong qualifying session will be key.”
Aron Smith, Redstone Racing :
“I’m really looking forward to getting back in the car this weekend. Silverstone always gives great racing; the nature of the track normally makes for a train of cars battling for the lead right until the last lap. I think that the track should play into the strengths of our car so fingers crossed we can be at the front once again. I’m hoping our run of good form can continue and I can put on a good show for everyone at Redstone Racing.”
Liam Griffin, Redstone Racing:
“Having watched from the side-lines for the last 3 rounds, I have been reminded what a great Championship this is and am really looking forward to being involved once again. Due to various commitments I have struggled to get out in the car since Croft but did a test at Donington last week which hopefully blew away a few of the cobwebs. It rained all day but the way the weather has been lately that’s probably good practice for a race weekend!”
Ollie Jackson, AmDTuning.com:
“Rockingham was a big boost to the confidence and the whole team came away from the weekend with a lot more enthusiasm about what is possible in the remaining two rounds. We are realistic about what we can achieve, but we are now in a position where we can get the maximum out of the package we have, and that isn’t something we were able to do earlier in the year for one reason and another. The aim is to finish inside the top 15 in all three races and pick up some good points, and it’ll be interesting to see how we get on.”
Shaun Hollamby, AmDTuning.com Team Principal:
“The test we did prior to Rockingham, and the Rockingham weekend itself, gave us some things to explore on the car and we¹ve been working hard to make more improvements ahead of this weekend. It¹s going to be interesting to see how those improvements translate to performance on track, but we’re going to Silverstone in confident mood.”
Frank Wrathall, DynoJet UK:
“Every time I make a prediction it turns out wrong, so I’m not going to make any. Starts were the top of our [test] agenda, following Rockingham. We put quite a bit of effort into it, setting up a beacon and light system, and trying various different methods of getting the Toyota off the line. It went well, but of course the only thing we couldn’t replicate was having 20 other cars around me. We’ve really studied the data and hopefully it will make a difference at Silverstone.”
Adam Morgan, Speedworks Motorsport:
“I have very fond memories of Silverstone from last year, and winning the [Ginetta G50] championship. I was pretty quick there and set fastest lap in the last race. It’s quite a basic track, but I enjoy driving it and it suits me, so I am looking forward to the weekend.”
Andrew Jordan, Pirtek Racing:
“Silverstone is going to be a real struggle and we need to go for damage limitation. Collard will take points off us, so we’re just aiming to get through it with an okay points’ lead as we’ll be strong again in the final race weekend at Brands Hatch two weeks later. At Silverstone, Copse, which is the first corner after the pits, is the only corner where we will be alright with the better handling of the Civic. Everywhere else will hurt us, particularly with the success penalty weight we will be carrying. Silverstone is all about straight-line speed, and that is where we will struggle.”
