MARK PROCTOR was at Donington Park with the ex-Collard Racing Astra Coupé that he plans to run in the BTCC this year. Unfortunately his track time was limited as engine gremlins struck on his first outing in the car.

“I’m disappointed. We needed the track time today, so it’s not good to only do four or five laps. This is the first time that we’ve run the car so I wanted to get to know it a bit, so engine problems are not what we needed.

“It is going to be a very steep learning curve. The plan is to run with this car this year, and then hopefully to raise enough sponsorship to buy a newer one for next season. An ‘04 Astra perhaps.

“I’ve done Eurocars before, so I have got circuit experience. It will be difficult, but we hope to be able to run in the top ten. We know that we haven’t got a car to run in the front five, but hopefully by mid-season we should be competitive.”

OLI WILKINSON, runner-up in the 2004 Seat Cupra championship is hopeful of a BTCC drive alongside Rob Collard this year, if he can raise the necessary sponsorship.

“I’m hoping to be out by mid-season and then kick some ass”, said Oli. “I’m working really hard to get the sponsorship together, and it’s just really frustrating not to be out on the track now.

“The car is looking really good. Rob [Collard] is putting in some good times and it looks strong. The team has developed the car since the end of last season and it seems quick.

“Touring cars is where I want to be. I looked at doing the Seats again, but with no drive as a prize this year, we decided against it. I’m just doing everything I can to make sure that I get out there.”

MARK LEMMER stood in for James Kaye at Donington Park. The Synchro driver is currently on holiday. The Barwell Motorsport boss tested Kaye’s Covic Type-R in the afternoon, but not before taking part in a photoshoot dressed in Kaye’s overalls and helmet!

SPEED EQUIPE plan to test one of their Lexus IS200 models this weekend. The one car on show at Donington Park lacked an engine. The team hope to have both cars ready to run in time for the first meeting in week and a half.

Team boss Dave Older said, “We know it’s going to be a challenge compared to the Clio Cup [where the team raced last year] but we are looking forward to it. The car has had an engine in it, but just as a dummy install to make sure it all fits.”

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