This weekend the BTCC is back! We can expect all the usual terrific bumper-banging and wing-mirror-removing action. But we can also expect an intriguing title fight with several new cars set to battle it out at the top. Hereâs a look at all the title contenders.
Honda Yuasa Racing Team: Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden
The defending champion Neal returns in search of a record-equalling fourth title, once again alongside Gordon Shedden. But this year the team have an all-new car from Honda. The latest Civic model sees the team leap forward into the new NGTC era of touring cars and testing indicates that the new machine has got up to speed right from the off.
MG Triple Eight Race Engineering: Jason Plato and Andy Neate
With Chevrolet withdrawing to concentrate on the WTCC, MG have stepped forward to take the manufacturer fight to Honda. Plato is eager to put the anger and disappointments of last year behind him and returns to the Triple Eight team that guided him to his first title. Neateâs arrival as number two was something of a surprise given his disappointing performances in the last two seasons. MG is set for a slow start to the season, as the second car isnât finished yet, but the team are still confident they can launch a serious challenge.
Motorbase Performance: Mat Jackson, Liam Griffin and Aron Smith
With Team Aon moving to the WTCC, Motorbase are the sole Ford Focus operators in 2012, but Jackson is still after another crack at the title after some desperately bad luck in the middle of last season. Griffin returns alongside him with a third car for 2011 debutee Aron Smith, who impressed by scoring points in his first race last season.
West Surrey Racing: Rob Collard, Tom Onslow-Cole and Nick Foster
The BMWs have got a turbo engine for this season so expect them to be fighting at the front once again. Collard will be desperate for more race wins, as will team returnee Onslow-Cole. Foster will be hoping to build on a promising rookie season in 2011.
Eurotech Racing: Andrew Jordan and Jeff Smith
Eurotech are another team to upgrade to an NGTC model and will be running new Civics like the works Honda team. They will also be getting some technical support from the reigning champions so expect Andrew Jordan to put in another strong showing. Smith will be aiming to get closer to his teammateâs pace.
For a look at the rest of the grid see: http://allsortsofmotorsports.wordpress.com/2012/03/27/2012-btcc-preview/
Honda Yuasa Racing Team: Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden
The defending champion Neal returns in search of a record-equalling fourth title, once again alongside Gordon Shedden. But this year the team have an all-new car from Honda. The latest Civic model sees the team leap forward into the new NGTC era of touring cars and testing indicates that the new machine has got up to speed right from the off.
MG Triple Eight Race Engineering: Jason Plato and Andy Neate
With Chevrolet withdrawing to concentrate on the WTCC, MG have stepped forward to take the manufacturer fight to Honda. Plato is eager to put the anger and disappointments of last year behind him and returns to the Triple Eight team that guided him to his first title. Neateâs arrival as number two was something of a surprise given his disappointing performances in the last two seasons. MG is set for a slow start to the season, as the second car isnât finished yet, but the team are still confident they can launch a serious challenge.
Motorbase Performance: Mat Jackson, Liam Griffin and Aron Smith
With Team Aon moving to the WTCC, Motorbase are the sole Ford Focus operators in 2012, but Jackson is still after another crack at the title after some desperately bad luck in the middle of last season. Griffin returns alongside him with a third car for 2011 debutee Aron Smith, who impressed by scoring points in his first race last season.
West Surrey Racing: Rob Collard, Tom Onslow-Cole and Nick Foster
The BMWs have got a turbo engine for this season so expect them to be fighting at the front once again. Collard will be desperate for more race wins, as will team returnee Onslow-Cole. Foster will be hoping to build on a promising rookie season in 2011.
Eurotech Racing: Andrew Jordan and Jeff Smith
Eurotech are another team to upgrade to an NGTC model and will be running new Civics like the works Honda team. They will also be getting some technical support from the reigning champions so expect Andrew Jordan to put in another strong showing. Smith will be aiming to get closer to his teammateâs pace.
For a look at the rest of the grid see: http://allsortsofmotorsports.wordpress.com/2012/03/27/2012-btcc-preview/
