The second half of the 2006 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship gets underway this coming weekend as Team RAC head to Donington Park (Derbyshire) for races 16, 17 and 18 of the 30-race championship.
- Round 6 - Donington Park - Preview
The second half of the 2006 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship gets underway this coming weekend as Team RAC head to Donington Park (Derbyshire) for races 16, 17 and 18 of the 30-race championship.
This will be Team RAC's first visit to the circuit since it underwent a £5 million redevelopment and provides a challenge to even the most experienced drivers with its fast flowing track providing bountiful overtaking opportunities and exciting racing.
Team RAC's Colin Turkington kept the pressure on at the top of the championship table at Croft last time out with fourth, third and second place finishes. A reduction of the 37-point deficit on championship leader Matt Neal will be Colin's focus this weekend whilst also keeping a close eye on rival Jason Plato, who is hot on his heels.
Last year Donington Park played host to the opening round of the 2005 BTCC with Colin claiming pole position. Colin said: "Repeating that performance won't be easy as there are a lot of quick drivers in quick cars amongst the field. I think my qualifying pace will be good as I've been pretty consistent all season. I would say that Donington is my favourite circuit so I'll be giving an extra big push to claim pole. We're in the second half of the season now so I really have to start taking some points away from Matt (Neal)."
With a podium finish for Rob Collard at the corresponding BTCC fixture last year, he will be looking to repeat that performance as gets behind the wheel of the Team RAC car. Rob's qualifying session on Saturday will be all the more important as he is forced to take a six place grid penalty, issued following the racing incident with Vauxhall's Fabrizio Giovanardi at Croft.
Rob said: "I'm very much looking forward to Donington as the fast flowing layout combined with the excellent handling of the Team RAC car, I believe, will gives us the edge. It's frustrating to have picked up the penalty last time out at Croft but it's a situation I have to accept and deal with. It'll be even more important to improve on our qualifying performance and aim for a top three slot. This way the penalty won't hurt so much."
Shaun Meadows, marketing director, said: "Anticipation for Donington is building and hopes are high, things are looking good for the team. This coupled with the large RAC support on the day could be a winning combination. The track is local to a number of RAC offices and we have invited over 1,200 staff and their families to attend and be part of the team. It promises to be a great day for all."
Team RAC principal Dick Bennetts added: "Qualifying will prove all the more important for us this weekend. We've had some good results at this circuit previously so we know that the car is more than capable of success. If we can qualify well on Saturday then I think there's every chance of being on the podium. There will also be additional trackside support from RAC staff, which will no doubt spur on the team and drivers."
The sixth BTCC round at Donington Park will be transmitted on ITV on Sunday 30 July starting at 15:00hrs. The programme will include highlights from race one and two with race three being shown live in its entirety. Satellite viewers can watch all three races live on Motors TV commencing at 11:10hrs. Further information on programme replays can be found at www.teamrac.com.
-ends-
Note to editors:
- This weekend Rob Collard's MG ZS will be displaying a screen header supported by RAC Rescue.
- Copyright free images for editorial purposes are available at www.teamrac.com
- To arrange an interview with a member of Team RAC, please contact Sarah Owen on 07793 633153.
About RAC
- With around seven million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organizations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections and checks, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists' needs. RAC incorporates BSM, RAC Auto Windscreens, RAC Direct Insurance and HPI.
- Aviva bought RAC last year. The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part of Aviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one in seven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 14 per cent.
About Aviva
- Aviva is the world's sixth-largest insurance group and the biggest in the UK. It is one of the leading providers of life and pensions products in Europe and has substantial businesses elsewhere around the world. Its main activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance. It has premium income and investment sales of £33 billion and £291 billion of assets under management. The group has 60,000 employees serving 30 million customers worldwide.