Thursday, March 07 2013

West Surrey Racing revealed their striking brand new BMW 125i touring car at Brands Hatch today (Thursday 7 March).

Built to the latest NGTC (Next Generation Touring Car) specifications, the 1-series replaces the S2000-spec 320si which powered the team to the 2009 driver's title with Colin Turkington.

Turkington returns to the team for 2013, and was an interested spectator as team mate Nick Foster braved the wet conditions to get the first mileage on the car.

Despite limited running, Foster is optimistic that the car is already an improvement over the old model. Speaking to MSV he remarked: "Impressions so far are really good. I think the car looks great and feels very solid and it certainly seems as if there is another dimension of grip for us. But we're getting some teething bits sorted out and ready to have another good test on Tuesday (at Brands Hatch).

"This is the first time the car has actually turned a wheel - we didn't even get the chance to take it for a shakedown and the guys have been working all night to get it here today. So we've been putting it together and taking a bit of time and seeing how it goes along."

Meanwhile the returning Turkington is looking forward to making his return. "It's going to be great, I'm very much looking forward to it. The buzz and excitement about a BTCC race is something you never forget, especially at a theatre like Brands Hatch. So it will be a special day, especially as it's the first race for the car, so fingers crossed it goes to plan!

"The car looks fantastic, I think we all had high expectations for it and it looks really good, and the graphics that I've seen back at base of the car liveried up are stunning, so if it goes as well as it looks it'll be a great package."

Also on track were the new look Motorbase cars of Aron Smith and Liam Griffin. Smith was showing off the eye-catching new Airwaves livery after yesterday's title-sponsorship announcement from the Wrotham-based team. Smith was at the wheel of the NGTC Ford Focus, while Griffin piloted the S2000 Focus that he will contest the Jack Sears Trophy in. Griffin will run in an alternate livery to the other two Motorbase cars, with primary backing from Addison Lee.

To see a selection of pictures from today's test, visit the Brands Hatch Facebook page.

All three of these cars will be back at Brands Hatch on Tuesday (12 March) for another test day, alongside the MG Team, Honda Racing and several others. Spectators are welcome to attend the test with free of charge entry. For more information click here.