The Home of British Motor Racing welcomes the 2004 Green Flag MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) to Silverstone on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th May as the world famous venue opens its gates to an action packed weekend of racing from the UK’s premier motorsport series.
Featuring a packed grid of 22 cars and an all-new race day format, including three BTCC races, the series is racing back to its hey-day of the mid 1990s. With five different winners in the opening six races of the season, all bets are on as fans look set to experience another explosive weekend of action.
Tin-tops are famous for their hard-nosed uncompromising style of racing and, with the Championship wide open, there is everything to play for at Silverstone. Reinforcing Silverstone’s commitment to family entertainment, fans at the Northamptonshire based venue will not only be treated to three BTCC races on Sunday but will also experience a feast of top-class racing from the outstanding support line-up.
Following a successful inaugural year the SEAT Cupra Cup has joined the BTCC package for 2004 and the participants will once again compete for a chance to race for the SEAT Sport UK team in the 2005 BTCC. Adding to the excitement and making its Silverstone debut, is the much heralded all new Formula BMW Series in which 15 year old Simon Walker-Hansell became the youngest ever winner of a single-seater race. In addition, there will be a host of bumper-to-bumper action from Formula Renault UK, the Elf Clio Cup, RenaultSport UK Cup and the ever popular Porsche Carrera Cup.
Fans wishing to make the most of a fantastic weekend for all the family will be able to purchase tickets on the day (£30 for adults). Tickets include free access to the centre of the circuit and a roving seat in any of Silverstone’s grandstands*.
Fans will also be able to get up close and personal with their BTCC heroes during Sunday morning’s autograph session (10:00 – 10:50), which is attended by all the Touring Car drivers including 2003 Champion Yvan Muller and young guns Luke Hines and Tom Chilton. Local hero Jason Plato returns to Silverstone for the first time since his epic battle in 2001 with Muller. Plato has already rekindled his battle with the reigning champion by winning a race at the opening round at Thruxton, and currently lies in sixth place for debutant team SEAT Sport UK. His no holds barred approach on track, and no-nonsense nature off it, looks set to confirm his status as a fans’ favourite. Frenchman Muller has relished the return of his old foe and has already been a regular visitor to the podium in 2004 as he seeks to retain the title.
After finally claiming the Championship last year, Muller has not lost any of his motivation and leads the standings after the first two rounds. Sharing the top spot with VX Racing team-mate Muller is 2002 Champion James Thompson, the only driver to have won two races this season and is looking to fight his way back to the top.
“It was important to get back on terms with Yvan so soon and now I think we’re going to see a very big battle between us. The racing out there is so fast and furious I think it will require an element of luck to decide who comes out on top.”
The surprise of the season has come from the WSR team with their MG ZS’s. Oxford based Anthony Reid has stormed into third position in the standings and his strong performances have left WSR sitting second in the overall Team Championship. Supported by Brands Hatch pole-setter Colin Turkington, the team has firmly set its sights on breaking VX Racing’s stranglehold on the series. With so many drivers gunning for glory, British Touring Cars at Silverstone will provide an unforgettable weekend of family entertainment.
Tickets will be available on the day at the main entrance. For further information visit silverstonemotorsport.co.uk Prices: Saturday* £10 Sunday* £30 Weekend Ticket* £35 Children** - 15 and under Free * Roving seat in any available location ** Children must be accompanied by an adult. Maximum of 6 children per adult -
