Team RAC drivers Colin Turkington and Tom Onslow-Cole warmed up for the first round of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch on Sunday (1 April), by getting to grips with their brand new BMW 320si E90 during a testing session at the Pembrey circuit, Wales.
The first testing session in the new cars represented the final stage in Team RAC's preparation for the new season.
Dick Bennetts, WSR Team Principal, commented: "It was great to get the new cars onto the track and the good weather provided ideal conditions for the cars to turn a wheel for the first time. Colin recorded some encouraging times and it was a good learning experience for the team as we head into the first race weekend.
“As it's a new set-up we've still got some homework to do, but I'm confident we'll get Team RAC’s season off to a strong start at Brands."
Team RAC driver Colin Turkington said: “It was a good feeling to get behind the wheel of the 2007 car for the first time and learn the characteristics of the new set-up. I now can't wait for the action to start at Brands Hatch.
“The circuit has been good to me recently, with two podium finishes in last year's championship, so I'm hoping to get Team RAC’s title challenge off to a strong start at one of my favourite tracks."
Team RAC’s latest recruit, 19 year-old Tom Onslow-Cole, who will be making his debut in the BTCC this weekend, commented: “I'm desperate to get going now. I might be the youngest on the grid and there is a lot to learn, but I want to be fighting at the front for Team RAC as soon as possible.
“I've always been confident in the abilities of the car, it's got a great pedigree in the WTCC. All we have to do now is show what we can do in our own cars when the season gets underway.”
RAC will be celebrating the start of the season with the launch of their ‘RAC to the rescue’ campaign, which will provide benefits to enhance the race day experience of fans at all 10 rounds of the season.
Tying into RAC’s latest advertising campaign, which features Vinnie Jones and Lennox Lewis, the activity kicks off with RAC ‘Orange Tickets’ being placed at random in official race day programmes, granting the winners free entry to every round of the 2007 BTCC season.
Alastair Pegg, Director of RAC Marketing, commented: “From the launch of the new car in January, the unveiling of our new microsite teamrac.co.uk, through to the recent drivers' fitness trip in Tenerife, Team RAC's build-up and preparation to the 2007 season has been a great success.
“Whilst ensuring the team and drivers are in the best possible shape, we've also looked to make Brands Hatch a weekend to remember for the fans, with the launch of our ‘RAC to the rescue’ campaign. RAC are committed to investing in and supporting the cream of young British motor racing drivers and we feel it is important for fans to be able to share this experience. After all the hard work put in by everyone associated with Team RAC we’re confident we’ll have reason to cheer this weekend.”
