There are just nine days remaining until the start of the 2016 BTCC season, which begins at Brands Hatch Indy next weekend. Yesterday saw all the runners and riders for this year confirmed at the Donington Park media day, with a few test laps completed as well.
32 cars confirmed for the 2016 season
The big news as far as PH is concerned is the BMR Subaru Levorg, revealed in a sparkling white livery with few visible sponsors. What do you reckon? It's certainly distinctive, far more an estate in appearance than its predominantly hatchback-derived rivals. The big arches work well too. Question is, will it be seen towards the front or the back of this year's grid? Team BMR is optimistic, stating on its website that team is "confident of immediate success."
Given how many championships its drivers have won over the years, the Halfords Yuasa Honda team will be hoping for a competitive showing this campaign. The new Civic Type R certainly won't be missed in the trademark orange paint! In yesterday's test laps, Matt Neal recorded the fastest time of the day, which of course bodes well for the rest of the season. Interestingly he was just a tenth of second faster than new boy Ashley Sutton, moving into the BTCC with MG after a championship winning year in the Clio Cup last year.
2016 sees a record 32-car grid compete in the BTCC, promising another year of fantastically close racing. Manufacturers represented include Toyota, Ford, Audi, BMW and Mercedes amongst those already mentioned. Bring on Brands Hatch!
