Honda has announced its commitment to return to the British Touring Car gird in 2011, continuing its link with Team Dynamics with a two car team.
The marque will continue to be represented by the Civic model, however next year's cars will switch to the new NGTC engine, the two-litre turbocharged powerplant already being developed by Dynamics and Neil Brown Engineering.
Team Dynamics have a history of running Hondas – initially as a privateer concern, before becoming the works outfit for this season. The team's two drivers – Gordon Shedden and Matt Neal are both in contention for the title heading into this weekend's title finale at Brands Hatch, having taken ten wins between them this year.
“After another positive year of racing, we are delighted to commit to the BTCC for 2011,” says David Hodgetts, Managing Director of Honda (UK), who goes onto explain the rationale behind the company's involvement in Britain's premier racing series.
“Almost 90 per cent of the Honda cars we sell in this country are built in the UK, so we believe it's important to support a national championship. We can't wait to get back on track next year with another competitive Civic race car.”
“We are really pleased that Honda is giving us the opportunity to continue to run its team in the 2011 BTCC,” says Dynamics Team Principal Steve Neal. “To gain the endorsement of Honda is testament to the hard work put in by our team and, of course, the results achieved. We know that results matter and expect to be challenging for championship honours once again next season.”
“We know we have a beautifully balanced car in the Civic and the race engineering ‘know how’ to maximise the benefit of the extra power the new regulations bring.”
