Sibsport:
Drivers: Simon Blanckley
Car: Honda Integra
Spec: BTC
They say:
“I’m very much looking forward to it. I think it’s a bit daunting to be honest and is certainly a step-up from what I’m used to championship wise. I’ve raced Supertourers in the past which are a bit quicker in a straight line but these things take some driving so I’ll have to learn how to drive it! I think, if we can get into the top half or top ten then it would be absolutely fantastic but it won’t happen in the early races” -
Blanckley
We say:
Another driver looking to have some fun on his BTCC debut, Blanckley will benefit from the experience of Graham Hathway Engineering in running the Honda Integra. Everyone knows what the car is capable of, and it now remains to be seen if Blanckley can achieve his aim of breaking into the top ten – it could happen during the season if things fall his way.
Team AirCool:
Drivers: Adam Jones
Car: SEAT Toledo
Spec: S2000
They say:
“There are a lot of cars on the grid and I don’t think the BTCC has had this many cars at the start of the year for a long time. At
Brands Hatch, a short circuit with a lot of cars, if we can have a good qualifying session and come out of the three races unscathed with some points then I’ll be more than happy with that. I don’t know how competitive it will be yet. But on paper, I think we can hopefully be the dark horse” -
Jones
We say:
Although only doing seven of the ten rounds, AirCool could be a real dark horse for some podium finishes during the season ahead. Jones is one of the more under-rated drivers on the grid and few teams have been as successful with the SEAT as WTCC Independents’ title winners GR Asia – a package that should surprise.
Team AllAboutProperty.com:
Drivers: Martyn Bell
Car: BMW 320i E46
Spec: S2000
They say:
“The test in Spain could well have changed our season. It may seem to have cost us a lot of money now, but by the middle of the year we will see how it has been money well spent. Kelvin has really helped us to dial the car in and we now have a good car to work with, I’m very pleased that we have him onboard. I’m full of confidence for the season ahead, more confident than I’ve ever been and I think we are further on with our preparations than many of the others” -
Bell
We say:
The input of former works driver Kelvin Burt should help the team make moves forward, while Bell has worked hard over the winter to get both himself and his car in shape for the coming season. While a strong grid means points finishes won’t be easy, the chances of Bell finishing in the top ten on merit are stronger than a year ago.
Team Eurotech:
