Honda’s 2018 BTCC challenger makes test debut

The Team Dynamics British Touring Car Championship squad has run its Honda Civic Type R car for the first time in Spain ahead of the 2018 season.

Team Dynamics’ all-new BTCC car broke cover in its debut test at the Parc Castelloli circuit, just outside of Barcelona, on Tuesday morning. 

Three-time BTCC champion Matt Neal and new teammate Dan Cammish are set to share the car for further testing at the Spanish circuit this week.

“This next generation Honda Civic Type R is fantastic and the guys have pulled out all the stops to get us to this point,” Neal said. 

“I can't wait to jump in and get out on track this week. If the car goes as fast as it looks then we'll be in great shape this season.”

Two-time Porsche Carrera Cup GB champion Cammish will fill the seat vacated by triple BTCC champion Gordon Shedden, who is switching to the WTCR with Audi for 2018. 

“It’s really exciting to see the new car in the flesh, in full racing trim and it’s really something special,” Cammish said. “Sitting in the cockpit for the first time will be a really proud moment for me.”

The FK8 machine is the fifth version of the Honda that Team Dynamics has built since it became a Honda factory-supported team in 2010. 

An intensive testing programme has been planned before its race debut at the season-opening round at Brands Hatch on April 8. 

“It's been a massive effort by the team over the off-season to transition to the new Honda Civic Type R and to see all of those hours labour bear fruit is just a fantastic feeling,” Team Dynamics team manager James Rogers added. 

“The car provides an excellent platform to work with and we're sure it'll prove a potent package when it hits the track in anger at Brands Hatch. We will be sure to hit the ground running when the season starts, in the best shape possible.”