EEMS, the Energy Efficient Motorsport initiative, is hopeful of more podium results this weekend after the first biofuelled podium result in the last round at Brands Hatch using E85 bio-ethanol blend.
‘We now have Team RAC, a leading touring car team, running well on E85, as well as the Tech-Speed Astra which been powered by E85 all year and Jason Hughes’ MG which converted mid-season, said EEMS project leader Steve Bunkhall. ‘Brands Hatch delivered the first podium for biofuel, and we hope Team RAC will go one better at Silverstone, as well as clocking up more top ten biofuel finishes to add to our total of 17 so far this season.’
Alan Gow, the BTCC Series Director, was just as positive: “Colin’s and Team RAC’s third position at Brands Hatch, in only their second meeting using bio-ethanol, was a significant moment in international motor sport.
“Furthermore, it should not got unnoticed that all four bio-ethanol powered cars on the grid at Brands Hatch that day scored points in the three BTCC races. Bio-ethanol racing technology might still be in its early stages but already it is making an impact at the top level. It has been clearly demonstrated that converting is easy and, in addition to the lower costs and environmental benefits, it can also even enhance engine response.
”This has not been lost on the teams who constantly strive for that vital extra edge. Its use is now a hot topic and, based on conversations I am privy to, I have little doubt that in the near future more teams will be going the bio-ethanol route.”
Dick Bennetts, Team RAC team principal, has been pleased with the overall performance of the team this season, he said: "I’m very pleased with the way things have gone this season and the fact that we’ve remained competitive on most circuits. Silverstone is a power circuit so it will be interesting to see how the SEAT’s perform. If Team RAC can round off the first year on the top step of the podium then we’ll be very happy."
Colin Turkington is looking for a top place in the drivers’ championship in his first Team RAC season, his attention focused on the final three rounds at Silverstone: ‘I think we’ll be very competitive at Silverstone. It’s surfaced with the same tarmac as Knockhill and whilst we didn’t get the end results there we certainly showed the pace of the car. I shall be aiming for an outright win this weekend to end the season on a high.’
Driver Paul O’Neill, who took over the E85 fuelled Thurlby Tech-Speed Astra at Brands Hatch and scored a top ten finish, has given Silverstone a lot of thought: ‘It’s the end of the year. I’m looking forward to Silverstone. I’m feeling confident. Our speed on the long straights will be better than Brands Hatch. I’m looking for a top eight this time and hope to be fighting with the MGs and putting air between me and the works Vauxhalls. We weren’t that far off them at Brands Hatch. If you can get the move into the left hander at Brooklands you can drive down the inside at Luffield. Or possibly overtake with a brave move at Copse. I’ve driven loads at Silverstone before but not on the National Circuit - I like the place!’
The three touring car races will be live on Motors TV on Sunday 15 October, and the final race will be live on ITV with edited highlights of the first two races.
