Top ten target for Hunter Abbott

Power Maxed Racing’s Hunter Abbott has been showing a steady improvement in recent rounds of the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship and he’s out to continue that trend at Snetterton this weekend.

The Chevrolet driver qualified 11^th at Oulton Park back in June and backed that up with seventh on the grid at Croft next time out. Two points score finishes in Cheshire remains the high, however, as the Maidenhead-based racer failed to achieve the results that his pace deserved in the North Yorkshire bouts.

“We had good Saturday mornings and qualifying at both at Oulton Park and Croft, but we need to turn that into results,” he said.

Hunter was eighth quickest during Snetterton practice earlier today, and he’s buoyed by his chances for this weekend and the remainder of the campaign.

“Looking at the data there’s more time for us to find, which is always a positive thing,” he continued. “It’s down to the driver to apply that of course, which is easier said than done. We have a couple of tweaks to the set-up that we want to try too.

“You never quite know what people are doing during practice though, and it’s just so tight out there. A second covering the top 20+ drivers at Croft for example – it’s bonkers.

“The feeling is frustration when you’re so close, particularly looking back to Croft. I qualified seventh but I was 0.046s from being on the front row. I made a mistake and missed a gearshift, which cost me more than a tenth, so we could have been even higher.”

There are a number of reasons why Abbott and Power Maxed Racing are on an upward trend this season, but the man himself believes mileage in front-wheel machinery has been key.

“We didn’t get much running in during pre-season and I’ve barely ever driven a front-wheel car. The learning curve for me was very steep but now I’m understanding more about the physics of the car and making it do what I want it to do.”

“Reverse grid is something we’d like to target this weekend and moving forward. Let’s see how qualifying goes – we’d be pleased with a top ten, and then you can work from there.”

Interviews: weekend preview

BTCC.net spoke to championship leading pair and JCT600 with GardX team-mates Sam Tordoff and Rob Collard as well as Andrew Jordan and the returning Michael Caine ahead of the return of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship after the summer break.

Andrew Jordan

Michael Caine

Rob Collard

Sam Tordoff

Morgan moves to the top

WIX Racing's Adam Morgan moved to the top of the timesheets in Free Practice Two at Snetterton as the Mercedes A-Class driver fell shy of the qualifying lap record by only a tenth of a second.

FP1 pace-setter Colin Turkington also led the way in the second session for much of the 40-minutes of running, before a late flurry of qualifying simulations brought about a change to the order.

Light spots of rain fell as the action got underway, leading to Ashley Sutton running a few laps on the Dunlop BluResponse wet tyres. In truth, the circuit was dry and all runners were on slicks within five minutes and Jack Goff was the first driver to set a representative lap time.

The pace quickened as the circuit conditions improved but it wasn't until the final ten minutes where significant inroads were made.

Morgan set the pace and couldn't be caught, with MG Racing RCIB Insurance's Sutton slotting into second. Aron Smith backed up his FP1 showing with another sterling effort in the final session. The VW CC claimed two wins in the hands of Turkington at Snetterton last season, with the characteristics of the 300 layout clearly suiting the German machine, so Smith will be hoping that such form can continue this weekend.

Tom Ingram pipped Turkington by 0.001s to claim fourth, whilst championship leader Sam Tordoff completed the top six order.

Aiden Moffat proved the pace of the Mercedes A-Class with seventh, whilst Power Maxed Racing's Hunter Abbott impressed with eighth.

Reigning champion Gordon Shedden would rarely celebrate ninth place in any session but the Scotsman bounced back from a difficult morning. His FP1 running was blighted by problems before his Halfords Yuasa Racing squad produced heroics with an engine change ahead of the afternoon run. His Honda Civic Type R eventually exited the pit lane with the #52 completing seven laps before the finish.

Motorbase Performance's Andrew Jordan got the better of team-mate Mat Jackson to claim tenth.

Matt Simpson's Honda stopped out on track early on while Jason Plato and Josh Cook endured a difficult session - both languishing outside the top 20 when the chequered flag fell.

There was little doubting the overall pace-setter, however, as Morgan sent out a warning ahead of qualifying. "We're in good shape, but we'll see what happens this afternoon," he said. "I've wanted to win this championship for a number of years and that remains the target for this season."

2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship – Free Practice 2 – Snetterton:

1 Adam MORGAN (GBR) WIX Racing +1m56.139s
2 Ashley SUTTON (GBR) MG Racing RCIB Insurance +0.232s
3 Aron SMITH (IRL) BKR +0.384s
4 Tom INGRAM (GBR) Speedworks Motorsport +0.578s
5 Colin TURKINGTON (GBR) Silverline Subaru BMR Racing +0.579s
6 Sam TORDOFF (GBR) Team JCT600 Racing with GardX +0.591s
7 Aiden MOFFAT (GBR) Laser Tools Racing +0.779s
8 Hunter ABBOTT (GBR) Power Maxed Racing +0.797s
9 Gordon SHEDDEN (GBR) Halfords Yuasa Racing +0.921s
10 Andrew JORDAN (GBR) Motorbase Performance +0.949s
11 Mat JACKSON (GBR) Motorbase Performance +1.020s
12 Robert COLLARD (GBR) Team JCT600 Racing with GardX +1.190s
13 Matt NEAL (GBR) Halfords Yuasa Racing +1.288s
14 Rob AUSTIN (GBR) Handy Motorsport +1.293s
15 James COLE (GBR) Silverline Subaru BMR Racing +1.341s
16 Michael EPPS (GBR) RCIB Insurance Racing +1.564s
17 Warren SCOTT (GBR) Silverline Subaru BMR Racing +1.570s
18 Jake HILL (GBR) RCIB Insurance Racing +1.617s
19 Jack GOFF (GBR) Team IHG Rewards Club +1.620s
20 Matt SIMPSON (GBR) Speedworks Motorsport +1.737s
21 Jason PLATO (GBR) Silverline Subaru BMR Racing +1.761s
22 Michael CAINE (GBR) TLC/RCIB Insurance Racing +1.797s
23 Jeff SMITH (GBR) Eurotech Racing +1.855s
24 Ollie JACKSON (GBR) AmD Tuning.com+1.867s
25 Josh COOK (GBR) MG Racing RCIB Insurance +1.924s
26 Alex MARTIN (GBR) Dextra Racing +1.961s
27 Martin DEPPER (GBR) Eurotech Racing +2.238s
28 Kelvin FLETCHER (GBR) Power Maxed Racing +2.254s
29 Mark HOWARD (GBR) BKR +3.688s
30 Stewart LINES (GBR) Maximum Motorsport +4.036s

Turkington topples Tordoff in FP1

Free Practice One at Snetterton turned out to be a battle between the ballast-free Subaru of Colin Turkington and the championship leading BMW of Sam Tordoff, with the former pulling away from the chasing pack in the closing stages.

Turkington topped the times with just over 15 minutes to go, which initially left him less than a tenth ahead of Tordoff, but the Subaru Levorg stretched its legs even further in the closing moments to set a stunning lap time. A 1:56.547s is still half a second shy of the qualifying lap record but Turkington put everyone else in the shade, with Tordoff 0.494s off the ultimate pace.

Adam Morgan's Mercedes led the way early on as MG, Ford, BMW and Subaru made it five marques in the top five places shortly after mid-distance. Ashley Sutton, Andrew Jordan and Morgan remained quick throughout with the trio taking third through to fifth in the times at the finish.

Aron Smith – whose VW produced the fastest straight line speed during the session – ended up sixth. The Irishman is chasing his first win of the season, and the Team BKR driver stands a good chance of doing so this weekend.

Josh Cook made it two MG's in the top seven, whilst Tom Ingram followed next down in the order. Speedworks Motorsport's Ingram has already claimed two pole positions in 2016 and was the Snetterton pace-setter during summer testing earlier this month, so he'll likely be a contender this afternoon.

Mat Jackson and James Cole completed the top ten with the former bouncing back from early session engine problems in his Motorbase Ford Focus.

The two Hondas left it late – only setting times in the closing minutes – as Matt Neal eventually pipped team-mate Gordon Shedden to 11th.

Other things of note included Rob Collard's BMW suffering from steering issues, whilst Dan Welch's Proton failed to join the action. Michael Caine completed 14 laps in the Team HARD-run Toyota on his return to the series.

Free Practice Two takes place at 12:05, before the all-important qualifying session commences at 15:50 which can be streamed live via www.itv.com/btcc.

2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship – Free Practice 1 – Snetterton:

1 Colin TURKINGTON (GBR) Silverline Subaru BMR Racing 1m56.547s
2 Sam TORDOFF (GBR) Team JCT600 Racing with GardX +0.494s
3 Ashley SUTTON (GBR) MG Racing RCIB Insurance +0.584s
4 Andrew JORDAN (GBR) Motorbase Performance +0.632s
5 Adam MORGAN (GBR) WIX Racing +0.702s
6 Aron SMITH (IRL) BKR +0.732s
7 Josh COOK (GBR) MG Racing RCIB Insurance +0.924s
8 Tom INGRAM (GBR) Speedworks Motorsport +0.983s
9 Mat JACKSON (GBR) Motorbase Performance +1.020s
10 James COLE (GBR) Silverline Subaru BMR Racing +1.077s
11 Matt NEAL (GBR) Halfords Yuasa Racing +1.107s
12 Gordon SHEDDEN (GBR) Halfords Yuasa Racing +1.124s
13 Rob AUSTIN (GBR) Handy Motorsport +1.136s
14 Jason PLATO (GBR) Silverline Subaru BMR Racing +1.145s
15 Matt SIMPSON (GBR) Speedworks Motorsport +1.263s
16 Michael EPPS (GBR) RCIB Insurance Racing +1.289s
17 Aiden MOFFAT (GBR) Laser Tools Racing +1.379s
18 Hunter ABBOTT (GBR) Power Maxed Racing +1.394s
19 Robert COLLARD (GBR) Team JCT600 Racing with GardX +1.510s
20 Jeff SMITH (GBR) Eurotech Racing +1.515s
21 Warren SCOTT (GBR) Silverline Subaru BMR Racing +1.557s
22 Ollie JACKSON (GBR) AmD Tuning.com+1.764s
23 Jack GOFF (GBR) Team IHG Rewards Club +1.823s
24 Jake HILL (GBR) RCIB Insurance Racing +1.928s
25 Martin DEPPER (GBR) Eurotech Racing +1.983s
26 Mark HOWARD (GBR) BKR +2.247s
27 Michael CAINE (GBR) TLC/RCIB Insurance Racing +2.272s
28 Alex MARTIN (GBR) Dextra Racing +2.414s
29 Kelvin FLETCHER (GBR) Power Maxed Racing +4.197s
30 Stewart LINES (GBR) Maximum Motorsport +5.005s

Plato’s place

Jason Plato has amassed 14 BTCC victories at Snetterton – treble that of his nearest rival – and now he’s looking to add his name to a record-breaking number of race winners so far in 2016.

The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship blasts back into action at the Norfolk venue this weekend, with Plato hoping to join the victory party for Silverline Subaru BMR Racing.

“I feel like it’s close, but we’re not losing too much sleep over it,” said Plato. “Things just haven’t quite gone my way so far this year. I haven’t had the same fortunes as others, and if things had gone differently at say Croft for example we’d have already had one win and it probably should have been two.

“Qualifying and race one will be critical for our chances here. The technical sections at Snetterton should suit us, but then it’s also a power circuit and we were miles off during the test.

“I want to win of course, but in truth this is a multi-year deal with Subaru and our primary focus is developing the car throughout 2016 to ensure we come storming out of the blocks next season. We definitely need to make sure we’re ready to rock and roll then, but if things go our way this weekend then we might just have a squeak this season…”

BTCC on ITV | Snetterton

The summer break is over and the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship is back as the bandwagon rolls into Snetterton and there are more ways than ever before for 2016 to keep up with the action.

The tens of thousands of fans trackside this weekend can compliment their viewing with the LIVE section of the BTCC website, where you can access circuit commentary and live timing, whilst the ITV Hub App will broadcast live coverage throughout Sunday to selected mobile and tablet devices.

Those unable to attend in Norfolk may also choose to use the ITV Hub App (download from App Store, Google Play, Amazon etc) in order to watch the live action while on the move, or you can watch from a desktop computer via www.itv.com. Saturday’s qualifying session will be streamed live online at www.itv.com/btcc.

ITV4 is broadcast an incredible eight hours of live coverage on Sunday for each and every BTCC race, plus a magnitude of support contests, being shown from 10:30am.

The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship enjoys unrivalled and unprecedented television coverage in the UK thanks to its long-standing partnership with the ITV television network, which will continue to screen the BTCC live and free-to-air until at least 2022. The BTCC also enjoys extensive coverage overseas, which includes CBS Sports Network’s highlights programme in North America.

To get yourself in the mood you can catch up with ITV’s 90-minute highlights programme from Croft on the ITV Hub here.

The following programme schedules are provided by ITV (UK only) and CBS Sports Network (North America) for the Snetterton weekend, while schedules for future events can be found via the BTCC on TV page. Viewers in other regions should check local listings:

Snetterton

Saturday 30 July
itv.com/btcc: 1545-1630

Sunday 31 July
ITV: 1030-1800 (LIVE)
ITV Hub: 1030-1800 (LIVE)
ITV4+1: 1130-1900
itv.com/btcc: 1030-1800 (LIVE)

Thursday 18 August
CBS Sports Network: 2100 (ET)

Independent leaders Motorbase hoping to stretch legs

During the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship's six-week summer hiatus, Motorbase Performance has been hard at work on its Ford Focus STs at the squad's Wrotham workshop as they look to push on at the head of the Independent's table.

The team was in action at Snetterton for Dunlop’s official BTCC tyre test with Mat Jackson one of four drivers running a full data-gathering programme to assist the championship's title sponsor with its 2017 tyre compound developments.

At Croft, Motorbase notched five top-ten finishes and five Independent podiums with Jordan enjoying a successful weekend that saw him increase his lead to 27 points at the top of the Independent Driver standings.

A last-race gamble on slicks unfortunately resulted in a DNF for Jackson, incredibly his first since Croft 2013.

“After a busy break we're now ready to embark on the second half of the season,” said Team Manager Oly Collins.

“We've had a busy few weeks since Croft with a great weekend at Goodwood Festival of Speed with Andrew (Jordan) winning the BTCC shootout followed by a good two day test at Snetterton.

"All of this, around a variety of work back at base, means that we haven’t really stopped. Hopefully the hard work will stand us in good stead for the remaining rounds.”

The squad heads to Norfolk in good standing with a 55-point lead at the top of the Independent Teams’ Championship and in third place in the overall standings.

“Given the level of competition in the BTCC this season it’s great to be leading the Independents standings at the halfway point;” added Collins.

“We want to be at the top and that is still our aim this year. It’s unbelievably tight at every circuit we visit and harder than ever to get a win – that’s why it’s so rewarding when you do.”

The circuit will hold a special place in the team’s history with Sunday’s opening race marking its 300^th BTCC race as well as the anniversary of the unveiling of the first Motorbase in-house-built touring car back in 2012.

Rounds 16, 17 & 18 of the 2016 BTCC season take place at Snetterton circuit on 30/31 July. Live coverage of Sunday's events will be shown on ITV4, itv.com and also in HD from 10:30 – 18:00; with itv.com featuring live streaming online of Saturday's qualifying session between 15:50 – 16:20.

Daniel Lloyd: “I hope to be back in the BTCC very soon”

Daniel Lloyd will miss the second half of the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship after talks with a large backer failed to materialise into expected funding.

24-year-old Lloyd has made an eye-catching addition to the BTCC grid since making his debut at Thruxton back in May, securing two front-row qualifying results in the Eurotech Racing Honda Civic Type R at Oulton Park and Croft and winning the Jack Sears ‘rookie of the weekend’ Trophy honours during his three appearances.

“I’m absolutely gutted to be missing the second half of the season;” said Lloyd. “We have been in talks with a large sponsor since the start of the season and all of the plans we were in place for funding for the remaining rounds right up until last week, but then unfortunately it all fell through at the last minute.”

“It’s a pretty bitter pill to take especially after the results we’ve had in the three rounds we’ve competed in. The guys at Eurotech Racing have been awesome. I’m really grateful to Jeff Smith for giving me the opportunity to race for the team and also to the lads behind the scenes for giving me a mega car capable of qualifying on the front row, not just once, but twice in a row.”

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of racing in the BTCC and will be working harder than ever to get back onto the grid. I have to say a massive thank you to my long term sponsors for their help and continued support. I’d also like to thank all of the BTCC fans who have been fantastic and made me feel very welcome. The BTCC is a great championship and I hope to be back in the BTCC very soon.”

CHAMPIONSHIP BULLETIN: Withdrawal of third Eurotech Racing car

Series organisers have issued the following Championship Bulletin in relation to Eurotech Racing's Car No. 23 and its loaned TOCA BTCC licence (TBL):

'The Administrator has agreed to the withdrawal from the remainder of the 2016 Championship of Car No. 23 (Daniel Lloyd, Eurotech Racing) and has subsequently recalled the loan TBL associated with that entry.'

Michael Caine makes BTCC comeback

Experienced driver Michael Caine will contest the remainder of the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship after agreeing a deal with Team HARD.

Caine takes over from Chris Smiley behind the wheel of the TLC/RCIB Insurance Racing Toyota Avensis.

46-year-old Caine is a former British GT Champion and has previously contested three BTCC events in the 2011 and 2013 seasons, with a best result of eighth at Croft.

Located near Newmarket in Suffolk, his Team HARD bow will take place at nearby Snetterton this weekend (30/31 July).

"This opportunity came up, and it is interesting," said Caine. "The team has punched above its weight this season with Michael Epps and Jake Hill, and I hope I will be able to add some experience to the operation. Lots of people behind the scenes have helped to make this possible, and I will give it my best shot."

Team HARD aim to continue working with Smiley, potentially with JamSport in the Clio Cup as the outfit are working partners with the BTCC team.

"We want to be clear that we are still very much involved with Smiley," said Team HARD boss Tony Gilham.

"Chris is an amazing driver, but unfortunately the promised funds and support never came and so the off-track distraction hampered his progress and also development with the car.

"Due to him being let down he has been up against it from day one and therefore unable to showcase what he can really do.

"We're absolutely delighted to welcome Michael Caine for the rest of the year, who can help push the car forwards.

"Michael has vast experience and has shown with Motorbase that he can secure results in both GT racing and the BTCC. We're all looking forward to working together."

Located near Newmarket in Suffolk, Caine's Team HARD bow will take place at nearby Snetterton this weekend (30/31 July).

"Michael is the perfect fit for us," concluded Gilham. "Having someone of his capabilities onboard will only help push us further."

The 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship blasts back into action this weekend after its regular mid-season break. Caine will be part of a full 32-car grid at the Norfolk venue, where you can still purchase tickets - see www.snetterton.co.uk.