Buxton Stuns Champion BTCC Team In Test

Vic Lee wants rookie Daniel Buxton in his title-winning British Touring Car Peugeot team in 2003 after he stunned them on his debut test at Donington Park.

In his first ever run in a touring car, it took Buxton just a handful of laps to get within 2/10ths of a second of regular team driver and Independents Cup champion Dan Eaves.

"I know when I see a driver with the potential to become a very good touring car driver - well, I've liked what I've seen and want to work with him. I want this to happen," said Lee, whose team won the BTCC title outright in 1991 and 1992.

Buxton, from Northwich, Cheshire, says he could have gone considerably quicker. "I wasn't going flat out this time and I was also having to learn what goes off inside a touring car.

"There's still a fair chunk of time to come from me, but breaking lap records wasn't the aim today. The team and I needed to see how well we worked with one another and I don't think it could have gone much better."

Lee added: "To perform like Danny has in 20 laps in what is something totally new to him is very impressive."

And said Buxton: "As soon as I walked into the team's garage this morning, I knew I was in a very professional environment. The preparation and attention to detail is meticulous and I felt welcome straight away. This is where I want to be next season."

Having won Renault's highly competitive Clio Cup title, 24-year-old Buxton stands out as a potential future star of the British Touring Car Championship.