Starting an impressive third on the grid for the first of today’s three British Touring Car Championship races at Rockingham, Rob Austin hopes for a dry Sunday in his quest for more podium finishes.
The WIX Racing man backed up his Knockhill performances with another strong qualifying on a drying track on Saturday, only beaten by the two KX Momentum Racing MGs of Jason Plato and Sam Tordoff.
Austin – who came short of winning his first BTCC race at this track back in 2011 – hopes that the wet weather will stay away for the weekend’s three encounters, and feels that the rear-wheel-drive Audi will be strong.
“Just brilliant! ” said Austin after qualifying on the second row of the grid. “We know on paper this should be a good circuit for the rear-wheel-drive Audi.
“After experimenting in this morning’s two practice sessions, we knew a top six was possible – Sherman felt painted to the road and third is even better than expected.
“We’re leading the fight against teams operating on budgets far superior to ours so this result is again testament to all the hard work done back at base and behind the scenes. It shows what a great team spirit we have and a lot of that is down to our fans and their unrivalled support for what we are doing.”
The weather forecast for Sunday’s racing may not quite work to Austin’s liking, with rain expected to appear during the day. Austin however remains hopeful that a dry day greets Rockingham for the trio of races.
“The weather forecast is a bit unpredictable for Sunday. Yes, I’d prefer it if it stayed dry but luckily in Jason and Sam and Andrew Jordan who’s next up on the grid I know I’m dealing with drivers who race hard but fair, so it should be very entertaining and exciting for the crowds tomorrow.”
