Alfa Corse in 1998 BTCC?

[Jack908]

I've just read recently on Wikipedia, and I've found out that Alfa Corse actually placed entries for the 1998 BTCC, but apparently, never raced.

I'm actually quite suprised about this.

[tommoore]

Ive got a BTCC book published just before the 1998 season, and in the preview Alfa are listed. Also never logged an entry but Andy Rouse tried to re-enter Toyota that same year.

[adzerrancoon]

I think they were going to do a few rounds that didnt clash with the italian championship, so it wasn't going to be a full season. I think (though not 100% sure) that the drivers would have been Gio and Larini

[redshoes]

Alfa Corse did indeed lodge an entry and were issued with race numbers 56 (Larini) and 57 (Giovanardi).

Their main focus was the Italian series but they were also entered for both the BTCC and German STW-Cup and intended on doing a few rounds of each. The original was to do the Thruxton round, unfortunately politics in the Italian series got in the way.

There were many disagreements over how the Italian series was being run, mainly over lack of promotion and media coverage and after the first two meetings several teams were threatening to walk away and start a rival series. Eventually the series promoter was fired and replaced, which lead to completely revised calendar.

This now meant that the Thruxton round clashed with an Italian race so Alfa's plans had to change and they decided to do the Silverstone round later in the year. By the end of the season Alfa were in a battle for the Italian championship and with an Italian race scheduled the week prior and week after Silverstone they decided they could not risk making the trip.

[Jack908]

Alfa Corse did indeed lodge an entry and were issued with race numbers 56 (Larini) and 57 (Giovanardi).

Their main focus was the Italian series but they were also entered for both the BTCC and German STW-Cup and intended on doing a few rounds of each. The original was to do the Thruxton round, unfortunately politics in the Italian series got in the way.

There were many disagreements over how the Italian series was being run, mainly over lack of promotion and media coverage and after the first two meetings several teams were threatening to walk away and start a rival series. Eventually the series promoter was fired and replaced, which lead to completely revised calendar.

This now meant that the Thruxton round clashed with an Italian race so Alfa's plans had to change and they decided to do the Silverstone round later in the year. By the end of the season Alfa were in a battle for the Italian championship and with an Italian race scheduled the week prior and week after Silverstone they decided they could not risk making the trip.

So that's how and why they never raced in the BTCC in 98. It's a shame really. I would've liked to have seen the 156 Super Tourer race in Britain.

I would be interested to know if there were any photo's of what the 156's would've looked like if they did race.

[redshoes]

I would be interested to know if there were any photo's of what the 156's would've looked like if they did race.
For the couple of STW-Cup rounds they did they used the same basic livery as they used in Italy expect for the number panels and other series-specific decals. BTCC livery would most likely have been the same again but with Auto Trader logos and race numbers.

Livery was red with a white line running from the front bumper, curving up over the doors and splitting out into white/yellow/orange, with a large 'Selenia' decal across the rear doors. Shouldn't be too difficult to find on Google.

[mondeoman]

For the couple of STW-Cup rounds they did they used the same basic livery as they used in Italy expect for the number panels and other series-specific decals. BTCC livery would most likely have been the same again but with Auto Trader logos and race numbers.

Livery was red with a white line running from the front bumper, curving up over the doors and splitting out into white/yellow/orange, with a large 'Selenia' decal across the rear doors. Shouldn't be too difficult to find on Google.

Like this?
http://www.supertouringregister.com/gallery/pic/438.php

[Jack908]

For the couple of STW-Cup rounds they did they used the same basic livery as they used in Italy expect for the number panels and other series-specific decals. BTCC livery would most likely have been the same again but with Auto Trader logos and race numbers.

Livery was red with a white line running from the front bumper, curving up over the doors and splitting out into white/yellow/orange, with a large 'Selenia' decal across the rear doors. Shouldn't be too difficult to find on Google.

They might be possible. And the Windscreen banner might be different too.

[redshoes]

Windscreen banner would come under 'series-specific decals', at least within the STW-Cup - all cars carried the 'Arcor' logo on the screen. BTCC had no such requirement, don't think the ISTC did either.