Toyota’s trio of Dunlop MSA British Touring Cars are eager to continue their impressive form from Snetterton at Knockhill this weekend.
Frank Wrathall took his first BTCC pole on Saturday in the Dynojet machine, following it up with second place in race one, while Speedworks Motorsport’s Adam Morgan had easily the most competitive weekend of his rookie season with 5th in qualifying a top ten finish on race day.
And with the experienced Paul O’Neill joining Morgan at Christian Dick’s outfit, aiming for top tens, it means the trio believe the stage is set for all three Toyotas to challenge at the front – perhaps even the manufacturer’s first series win since 1993, which was also at Knockhill.
Wrathall claimed his first podium results in the championship at Knockhill last year, but is retaining caution this time around. “We have not been able to test at Knockhill this year,” he said, “so with the new car it’s a bit of an unknown.
“We had a useful test at Rockingham on Friday, and we learned one or two important things, I think, but Knockhill is such a different track. The whole nature of the circuit, the undulations, the curves and the kerbs, mean that it is hard to predict how well the Toyota will go.
“I don’t really know what to expect, and won’t until we have Saturday’s practice sessions under our belts. However, the Dynojet Avensis was strong at Snetterton and we have made progress since then, so I am hopeful of some good results.”
Speaking to theCheckeredFlag.co.uk Morgan talked of his new-found confidence in the car following a successful Pembrey test, and the 23-year-old is also pleased to be working again with O’Neill.
“The biggest change I think has been from the setup of the car,” he said.” I have grown in confidence over the recent races with the car but the test at Pembrey really helped us to unlock the true potential of the car’s speed.
“Having never driven a front wheel drive car before it has been hard for me to tell the engineers what is right and wrong, but with the help of Paul we have managed to get the setup heading in the right direction. I am learning more and more every time I drive it, and can give good reliable feedback.
“It has been a baptism of fire, but despite the poor results so far this season I am loving it. It has been a dream come true to race in the BTCC and I am very privileged to be here. I have every confidence in my ability and the pace we have shown is good, the 5th in qualifying at Snetterton proves that.”
