Team RAC return to the Kent circuit this weekend confident that they can make history by becoming the first team to achieve a podium finish for a bio-ethanol fuelled race car.
- Round 9 - Brands Hatch - Preview
Team RAC return to the Kent circuit this weekend confident that they can make history by becoming the first team to achieve a podium finish for a bio-ethanol fuelled race car. WSR (Sunbury-on-Thames) made the switch to bio-fuel for the first time at Knockhill, just over two weeks ago, following support from sponsors RAC and EEMS (the Motorsport Development UK's initiative Energy Efficient Motorsport).
With this the second visit to Brands Hatch Indy Circuit since April and the 2006 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season opener, Team RAC will be looking to convert pace to podiums at this season's penultimate rounds. At just 1.22 miles in length it is the shortest lap on the BTCC calendar providing bumper-to-bumper action and great spectator viewing.
Colin Turkington (Portadown, NI) took to the podium twice back in April at a circuit where traditionally the MG ZS has performed well. Showing great pace at Knockhill, Colin is hoping that the track conditions at Brands Hatch remain dry, unlike the Scottish excursion. He said: "The Team RAC MG has great pace which I believe to be faster than the Honda. Whilst we didn't get results at Knockhill we certainly showed pace and I'll be on it this weekend."
Colin (188 points) currently remains second overall in the Drivers' Championship to Matt Neal (241 points) and mathematically is still in the running for the Championship title. However, Colin remains realistic of his chances. He added: "I had some bad luck at Knockhill which was a major turning point in the Championship. Realistically it needs Matt Neal to have some of that bad luck to enable me to be in with a shout. By no means have I given up the fight and I certainly won't make it easy for him."
Rob Collard (Eversley, Hampshire) has also performed well at the Kent circuit previously with a race win in 2005 and a podium finish earlier in the 2006 season, although this result was later withdrawn following a racing incident enquiry. Aiming for a top three finish this weekend Rob said: "Brands Hatch is one of the more local circuits for me and one at which I have raced the most miles. Therefore, I'm pretty excited about returning to the circuit. I'd like to turn back the clock to 2005 when I had a race win on the GP Circuit. If I can repeat that performance on the Indy Circuit then it would be a milestone for me and for bio-fuel."
Looking to make history this weekend Team RAC principal Dick Bennetts said: "At Knockhill we made the switch to bio-fuel and we were really pleased with the pace of the car as it appears to have little effect on the engine performance. It was bitterly disappointing not to back this up with podium finishes but we have another opportunity to make history at Brands Hatch. I'm confident that we can makes amends and be back on the podium which is where we belong."
The penultimate rounds at Brands Hatch will be transmitted on ITV on Sunday 24 September starting at 3pm. 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 11.10am. Further information on programme replays can be found at www.teamrac.com.
-ends-
To arrange an interview with a member of Team RAC, please contact Sarah Owen on 07793 633153.
Note to editors:
At Brands Hatch Rob Collard's Team RAC car will be sponsored by RAC Motoring Products.
About EEMS
See facts about bio-ethanol on the EEMS website www.eemsonline.co.uk. Energy Efficient Motorsport (EEMS) is one of five programmes sponsored by Motorsport Development UK to sustain and develop the UK's world-leading motorsport sector. Programme funding comes directly from the DTI and four regional development agencies. See more on www.motorsportdevelopment.co.uk. EEMS seeks to encourage the development of alternative fuels and powertrain technologies and put energy efficiency at the heart of modern motorsport without comprising the sporting spectacle. There is a widely held belief that energy efficiency and green technology are not compatible with exciting motorsport. This is simply not the case in fact the UK motorsport industry stands to benefit by adopting EEMS concepts and taking a leading global role.
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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%.
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 Ł33 billion and Ł291 billion of assets under management. The group has 60,000 employees serving 30 million customers worldwide.