The 2009 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship season finished with a bang at Brands Hatch, with Colin Turkington and WSR winning the title for the first time.

Crash.net's Matt Salisbury spoke to series boss Alan Gow at the end of the day…


Crash.net:
Another fantastic season for the BTCC and we've seen another brilliant finale, similar to Yvan Muller and James Thompson a few years back at Donington…

Alan Gow:
That went down to one race as well didn't it, with James winning by a point thanks to the fastest lap. Today had it all with three races giving three different results and the permutations were fantastic. We have a great champion, a new champion - which is always nice to see - and against the backdrop of a major recession we have done very well.

Crash.net:
No disrespect to Fabizio, but is it a little bit more special to see Colin secure the title as someone who got his break in the BTCC and has built his career in the series?

Alan Gow:
I think it makes it special that for both Colin and WSR, this is the first championship. People forget that WSR have been in the BTCC since something like 1995 and they have been here for a long time. Colin has been here for a few years as well now and it is more special when you have a new name on the trophy.

Crash.net:
How would you sum up the way this season has gone?

Alan Gow:
It's the worst recession you and I will probably ever know, but look at the season we have had against the back drop of such a recession. Our racing has been fantastic, our grids have been fantastic and our crowds have been fantastic – this is the biggest crowd Brands Hatch has had for many years. The TV figures have been good and it shows how strong this championship is.

Crash.net:
You've been taking stock of plans for the future and have announced new rules for 2011 with the possibility that the engine rules may be brought forward to 2010. Are there any developments on that?

Alan Gow:
We'll make that decision in the next few weeks but its looking likely – more likely to happen than not – for those teams that want to use it, but it isn't mandatory and team's can use it if they wish instead of their standard engine. We haven't made a decision yet, but its looking likely.

Crash.net:
Do you think changing the rules and going away from S2000 is important for securing the future of the championship?

Alan Gow:
That's what it is all about. I don't think we will be the only championship to go in a different direction to S2000 as our first priority is to the champioinship and not to the technical rule you race to. Whether its S2000 or something else, I don't care as long as it is good for the championship.

Crash.net: