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What odds for another Vauxhall whitewash in both races? Fairly low you may think after the results from the first two rounds. However, despite Peugeots problems with tyre blowouts at Thruxton, VLR team manager Mick Linford has been enthusiastic about the Coupe’s development on and off the track. At last Friday's official test session, Steve Soper was less than a third of a second slower than the Astra of Phil Bennett, a considerably lesser gap than maybe some would have envisaged.

Relatively ballast free – one of the 406’s may just sneak a podium place this weekend, something that would lift the spirits of all at the Coventry based team.

Yvan Muller and Jason Plato battled hard against each other at Thruxton – and shared the spoils with a win and a second place apiece. “Battle for position but don’t take each other off” seemed to be the order of the day, and spectators will be hoping for more of the same this weekend between the title favourites.

Meanwhile, Team Egg Sport who lead the team championship table are proving that they aren’t just there to make up the numbers. Phil Bennett will be hoping to go at least a place higher than his best finishes of the season so far. The 29 year old is clearly enjoying life in the BTCC and is hungry to prove that he can achieve a race win.

JSM have had the misfortune of an engine blow at both races so far this season in the Alfa Romeo 147. Some promising qualifying times by Tom Ferrier especially raised an eyebrow or two at Thruxton, and it’s clear to see that the team are making rapid progress with the car. Despite their absence at the official test last week, JSM ought to be fielding both cars at Oulton Park and a Powertour free weekend enables team manager Tim Harvey to have his first outing in the car.

The eagerly awaited debut of the Lexus IS 200 at rounds 3 and 4 didn’t disappoint. ABG were extremely happy with the performance of the car on its maiden appearance and diminutive driver Kurt Luby enthused about the potential of the car after completing the feature race. All is set for an intriguing weekend in the Cheshire countryside. Anything can happen – and it probably will. There is rarely a dull moment in the BTCC, and just as a closing thought – what will happen if it rains? Now that could be interesting!