Drivers: Jason Hughes, Fiona Leggate
Car: MG ZS
Spec: BTC
They say:
“As we have known the cars for a few years and know it is capable of being up there, that was why we stayed with it, as we can look at what is good and what is not amongst the new cars and maybe switch to S2000 for next season. But we might as well stick with what we know and it should go well in the first few rounds, Brands and Rockingham for sure, and we know it goes well at places like
Knockhill. There are just a few circuits where it maybe isn’t as good but we can get round that” -
Hughes
We say:
On its day, the MG should still be capable of some decent results with Hughes having picked up some strong finishes in recent seasons. Leggate will take some time to get used to the car but as the year goes on, the pair should be regularly finishing amongst the leading BTC runners and could pick up some points.
Motorbase Performance:
Drivers: Gareth Howell, Matt Allison
Car: SEAT Toledo
Spec: S2000
They say:
“It’s been hard work and a steep learning curve, but I’m absolutely over the moon with the work everyone has put in to get us here. I think we’ve got two excellent drivers. It’s a very young team compared to some. I think Gareth’s a star that hasn’t has his chance and Matt is a very talented young driver. I’d love a podium of some sort at Brands, but I really don’t know how realistic that is. We just need to make a good start and go from there!” -
David Bartrum
We say:
With proven cars and two good young drivers, Motorbase will be there or thereabouts throughout the year. A full blown title bid might be too much to expect in only the second season in the series, but both Howell and Allison – despite the latter’s rookie status – are more than capable of taking to the top step of the podium.
Quest Racing:
Drivers: Eoin Murray
Car: Alfa Romeo 156
Spec: S2000
They say:
“I’d like to think top six results are achievable but I need to see what every one else’s car can do. There so many quick cars and drivers this year and it’s going to be tougher than in 2006. My Alfa isn’t 2007-spec like the new A-Tech cars, but there’s not that much difference and I should have a few updates in time for Rockingham. I also think that there’s no team on the grid that could prepare the Alfa better than Quest so I’m very happy to be sticking with them” –
Murray
We say:
Murray is a strong driver and the Alfa Romeo is a good car – as was shown on occasions last season – but the small budget could be a hindrance. Although he may have to hold back on occasions, Murray will be a regular points finisher during 2007 and will add to his growing reputation.
SEAT Sport UK:
Drivers: Jason Plato, Darren Turner, TBA
Car: SEAT Leon
Spec: S2000
They say:
"We definitely have to win all three Championships this year. SEAT is the classiest manufacturer on the grid by a long way; it does things with a certain style which is the measure of the paddock. We won the Manufacturers' Championship last year and now we want the Teams' and the Drivers' titles this year too. I think it's fair to say that if I hadn't made a few mistakes last year, and the team hadn't also made a few mistakes, we could have won the Drivers' Championship as well as the Manufacturers'. We did have our fair share of bad luck along the way but had those mistakes not been made it would have been very close. If we perform at the level that I know we can perform at, and I expect us to perform at, then I know without a doubt that we can make a clean sweep and have a tremendous year" -
Plato
We say:
This is
the season for SEAT, who start the season with the continuity that all their rivals lack. Two of the best drivers and one of the best cars mean they are many peoples favourites for title honours and both Plato and Turner will be regular podium finishers and title challengers during the year ahead.
