Frank Wrathall is hoping a case of déjà vu at Snetterton will mark a turning point in his Dunlop MSA British Touring Championship akin to 2011.
The Dynojet Racing driver has big ambitions for the remainder of the season after positive summer-break testing and is looking forward to returning to the Norfolk track.
Last year, Wrathall's fourth-place finish and Independents class win at Snetterton marked the the beginning of a second-half surge in form which netted three podium finishes and three Independents wins for the rookie team and driver.
Lessons learned from the 2011 debut for the NGTC Toyota were taken on board over the winter during construction of the new car and despite only racking up one podium so far, the team are eager to repeat their impressive second-15 races from last season.
“Snetterton was the turning point for us last year,” confirms Wrathall, “and the fourth place we scored was all the sweeter for being unexpected.
“But I don't know what to expect from Snetterton this year. We know in which areas we are struggling with the car, and hopefully we can dial that out. If what we have done to the suspension and the steering has worked, then we will have a good meeting, and one of those is overdue.”
Currently ninth in the driver's championship, Wrathall is aiming for more than just consolidation – he wants to net Toyota's first win in the modern-BTCC era, and after a positive test at Brands Hatch, is eager to get on track.
“It's achievable,” he says, “but the key will be a good qualifying performance and a bit of luck in the races, which is something which has been in short supply for us so far this year.
“We covered around 80 laps [at Brands] and got through the whole programme. I was pleased with how the Toyota felt, and it was great to get behind the wheel again after what feels like months.”
