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BTCC drivers out in force at today's Brands Hatch test

By MJP Media | 16 March 2016

No fewer than 15 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship drivers were out testing at Brands Hatch today ahead of the championship's Media Launch day at Donington Park next Tuesday, March 22nd.

Alex Martin lost his rear bumper in the gravel trap

The day dawned dry and bright as BTCC, Porsche Carrera Cup, Renault UK Clio Cup and Ginetta cars all took the opportunity of a long test day at Kent's Brands Hatch circuit. Conscious that the first round of the respective series will be at this circuit in just over two weeks it was an ideal opportunity for them to get some real data to help at the start of the season.

Team Halfords Yuasa Racing had two of their three Honda Civic Type Rs on track with the 3rd car being finished back at base. Matt Neal, Gordon Shedden and Andy Neate all shared time on track and looked good to go. The other three Civic Type Rs of Jeff Smith, Martin Depper and Matt Simpson also put a lot of laps in and made good use of the time available.

Team Halfords Yuasa Racing had 2 of their 3 cars at Brands Hatch today

Local racer Alex Martin from Gillingham was out in his distinctive yellow Ford Focus. The 28 year old had a rather hairy moment when he ran wide at Paddock Hill and enjoyed a spot of impromptu Rallycross practice in the gravel, resulting in the loss of his rear bumper. Motorbase Performance looked quick with both Andrew Jordan and Mat Jackson posting impressive unofficial times in their Ford Focuses.

The two Mercedes Benz A-Classes of Aiden Moffat and Adam Morgan were running a split strategy after they took delivery of their new gearboxes. Aiden opted to run on the existing box whilst Adam started the day with the new box which had a couple of teething issues. The team were able to get to grips with the issue and this should make the installation into Aiden's car easier.

Tom Ingram looked very quick around the Brands Hatch Indy circuit

The star of the day was probably Speedworks Motorsport's Tom Ingram who, despite less running than many, was looking immensely quick around the Brands Hatch Indy circuit. Rob Austin was also looking quick after his testing last week at both Oulton Park and Rockingham. The next major action is the Official BTCC Launch at Donington Park next Tuesday, March 22nd and we will be there to bring you all the news.

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