Pre-season testing

[Carl Breeze fan]

Hello all! I know there has been a bit of testing in Spain (by the way, anyone know any of the times from these tests?), but I also know that this time last year, there was a test at Silverstone, and a media day at Brands Hatch. Is this happening again this year? If so, what dates, and are we allowed in? Cheers

[thommo_fan]

i think the vauxhalls were fastest, with reidy a bit behind. but honda were not there.
last years silverstone test was about 2 weeks before the season started.
i would expect the media day to be late march, early april

[Sim_Da_BTCC_Man]

The main 5 Day TOCA test was cancelled apparently. The only testing done was tyre testing and the only teams that went out to spain to do that were MG, Vauxhall and GA (with BTC-P alfas and Paul Wallace driving).

[lauz]

i heard that there was testing at snetterton sometime soon. don't know if it is true or not.

[Craig Antill]

Yes there is a test at Snetterton before the start of the season. Not sure of the dates at this time.

[King Cleland]

Hope we get to see some new cars running soon!

[thommo_fan]

the snetterton test is in febuary some time.

[bramble]

Why do the BTCC teams pack up and go to Spain? Seems like a costly exercise, especially as TOCA can't afford night races or more races abroad.

[Sim_Da_BTCC_Man]

Hence why the 5 day testing was cancelled. They tyre testing needs to be done elsewhere because of weather conditions. That proberbly paid for by Dunlop.

[bramble]

Ah, I thought it might be because of the weather. Surely it would be a good idea to test both wet and dry tyres in variable weather, since thats what we have in the UK.

[Craig Antill]

It's purely down to the cost of circuit hire. Even when you include the extra travel costs it is still cheaper to travel to southern Europe to test! Hopefully Octagon (major players in ToCA and owners of five major UK circuits) have seen sense and offered us a sensible price for hiring their circuits.

[thommo_fan]

does anyone know how many more tests there are before the season kicks off.

[Sim_Da_BTCC_Man]

Snetterton and some indivdual team tests possibly? Craig Would know more because he works for a team :)

[tvgod]

I think there is going to be a test at Thruxton in March as well as the one at Snetterton, but both are only one-day tests.

Media launch will probably be late March or early April.

[King Cleland]

Hope teams get a lot of testing and we get a really close season this year!

[tvgod]

I really don't think teams can afford a lot of testing.

[King Cleland]

it's a shame in the current economic climate

[thommo_fan]

everything comes down to money.

i thought the 5 day test at albecete was a good idea, and a good way of saving some money.

[King Cleland]

Ahh well!

[lauz]

will the media day be at brands hatch again?

[Sim_Da_BTCC_Man]

Think so. Could do it at Mondello but would all press be there?

[thommo_fan]

i still don't think its a good idea to start the championship in ireland.
have toca given a reason as to why they are?

[lauz]

they are more likely to have the media day at brands hatch or silverstone rather than mondello.

[King Cleland]

I hope it isn't! That's a crazy idea if it is!

[The Stig]

Hope so too, but isn' the onging season the big test. Actual racing is probably the best way to develop. Look at Honda last year, real race miles improved their performances no end. With a complete season behind them now, Arena and WSR, should be tasty from the off. Are they using the sames cars they finished with last year.

[King Cleland]

Yes, shame Proton didn't come on in the same way, but everyone has got new cars. MG looks good!

[The Stig]

Think looks wise the MG is the best for me apart from the flame bit on the doors. Also think their PR dolly birds aren't too shabby. Can I mention that here ? if not sorry moderator, and you Amanda, when next you take part.

[lauz]

any updates on when the test dates are?

[Claire]

There is a three day test at Thruxton from 23/4-25/04/03. The whole TOCA package should be taking part with the BTCC at the end of the week as they have to get back from Mondello. This is only provisional and the reason I have the dates as they were on a volunteering form I had for marshalling for BARC, so they may change.

[BTCC]

I see that GA Motorsports have posted pictures of their testing in Albacete (Spain) on their web site.