Pre-season build-up continues - 23/03/04

After the media launch of the 2004 BTCC season at Donington park last week, the build up to the opening rounds of the championship at Thruxton over Easter weekend is now getting in to full swing.

Having taken the top two spots in the first official test session of the year, VX Racing now continue their preparations with a visit to the French Grand Prix circuit at Magny Cours, where they are joined by Tom Chilton in his Arena International Honda Civic Type-R. Third quickest at Donington, Matt Neal and the Team Dynamics outfit are out at Mondello Park in Ireland this week, alongside the Shaun Watson-Smith and Fariqe Hairuman in the Team PSP Impians.

Following their programme last week, Watson-Smith said: “Donington wasn’t a great start but we took a step back on settings and had a very successful day at Snetterton with the new aero package. The car feels very strong and is putting up some good times. Our next outing at Mondello on Monday should take us even further forward.”

Seat Sport have opted for a Spanish approach to the new season, taking their Toledo Cupras to the Albacete circuit to give Jason Plato and Robert Huff a chance to get to grips with the new cars. Many of the other teams taking part in this year’s championship are also expected out over the next couple of weeks, including Team Sureterm, West Surrey Racing, Kartworld Racing and as well as reigning Independents Cup champions Collard Racing.

The BTCC will also feature on TV in the run-up to Thruxton, with a preview feature this Sunday (28th March) on ITV’s new Speed Sunday programme. Satellite channel Motors TV, which will show all 30 BTCC races and most support races live, will also broadcast a number of interviews and features from last week’s media day.

The opening three rounds of the 2004 BTCC take place over Easter weekend (Sat/Sun 10th/11th April) at Thruxton, Hampshire. A provisional timetable is available here.