Two day BTCC test concludes at Thruxton
Two days of testing ahead of the start of the new Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season have taken place at Thruxton in Hampshire, with many of the top teams taking the rare opportunity to test at the country's fastest circuit.
Among those on track were the IHG Rewards Club BMW of three-time World Touring Car champion Andy Priaulx, who makes a return to the BTCC this season.
“I love Thruxton,” enthused the Guernsey-based driver, “and it’s probably the closest one to home for me, which is always nice! It’s a wonderful track, it’s unique and everything you do here you don’t get to do anywhere else. It’s one of those fantastic fast-commitment circuits, which is very enjoyable as a driver!”
Also on track were the Team BMR VW CCs of reigning champion Colin Turkington and Jason Plato, and Andrew Jordan in the Pirtek MG.
“I always go well at Thruxton,” added Jordan. “It gives me a buzz to drive like nowhere else does – even when I’m on my ‘out’ lap! I know how to get a front wheel-drive car to work round here, and I’d really like to get my fourth consecutive Thruxton pole this year.
"People have said the MG6 isn’t that great here, but I still think there’s scope to put it on pole. Outside of winning the championship, that is definitely one of my biggest aims.”
Thruxton hosts the third BTCC meeting of the season, on the weekend of May 9th and 10th. As with all rounds, there will be live full day coverage on ITV4.