Tom Ingram takes first honours

Speedworks racer Tom Ingram kicked off his sophomore season in some style with an absolutely blistering display in the opening practice session at Brands Hatch this morning (4 April).

The talented young gun set no fewer than three laps that were faster than any other driver in a drying session where bragging rights changed hands several times.

Jason Plato, Adam Morgan, Jack Goff, Andrew Jordan, Sam Tordoff and Andy Priaulx all enjoyed spells at the top as times tumbled throughout the 40 minutes of running, but it was Ingram who delivered when it mattered.

"It felt great to be back out there," said the 21-year-old. "It’s only free practice so we can’t get ahead of ourselves, but it already feels like a brilliant piece of kit. It’s been quite a while since my name has been at the top of a time sheet – to be up there just ahead of Matt Neal is a pretty cool feeling. We’ve got a lot of work still to, but it’s already clear that the guys have done a superb job over the winter."

The majority of cars commenced their season on Dunlop Sport Maxx Blu Response wet tyres but almost all had switched to slicks by mid-session.

If Ingram's performance was a relative surprise then a host of rookies also shone. Kieran Gallagher (Toyota Avensis), Alex Martin (Ford Focus), Josh Cook (Chevrolet Cruze) and Mike Bushell (Ford Focus) were all quick out of the blocks, whilst a number of their more illustrious and experienced rivals endured difficulties.

After a slow start it was Honda's Matt Neal who claimed second, signalling a good debut bow for the all-new Civic Type R. Team-mate Gordon Shedden propped up the order, however, after failing to set a time during the driest, and therefore quickest, period of the session.

Power Maxed Racing completed its best ever session with Josh Cook and Dave Newsham finishing third and fifth respectively, with the WSR-run BMW of Rob Collard sandwiched between them. Returning star Andy Priaulx was there or thereabouts throughout and eventually claimed sixth in the standings.

"With 28 cars on the Indy circuit it was pretty exciting," said the three-time World Champion. "I was on a quicker lap at the end but got caught up in some traffic, but I’m really delighted to be out on-track in the BTCC. The championship is going so well at the moment – the guys have put together a brilliant series – and it’s just good to get going!"With all the hype over Colin Turkington and Jason Plato joining Team BMR it was in fact the fledgling squad's other two drivers who fired out a reminder of their own abilities as Aron Smith and Warren Scott set the seventh and eighth fastest times.

Hunter Abbott (Audi A4) and Simon Belcher (Toyota Avensis) also completed impressive runs to round out the top ten.

Both MGs were absent from the leading pack after Andrew Jordan suffered with turbo failure having only set one flying lap, whilst Jack Goff focussed on race-pace set-up in the mixed conditions.

Free Practice Two takes place at 12:45 before the all-important qualifying session commences at 15:40 this afternoon. Stay tuned to btcc.net for live updates and reports and visit www.itv.com/btcc for live streaming of qualifying.

Click here for the full classification from FP1.

Palmer to drive Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing car in BTCC opener

Derek Palmer, who successfully debuted the car during testing earlier this week, will drive the Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing NGTC Infiniti Q50 in the opening triple-header at Brands Hatch this weekend.

Having not been able to test the car at Mallory Park earlier this week due to technical issues, Richard Hawken will sit out the season opener. The decision was taken following discussions involving team management and both drivers.

Following Brands Hatch, Hawken will resume a normal testing program ahead of his debut in one of the team's two cars at the next round Donington Park on April 18/19.

"The natural route to take was to put Derek in the car, as he'd has the experience of driving one of the cars earlier this week at Mallory," team principal Derek Palmer Snr said. "Richard will be in the team's second car at Donington."

DRIVERS' Q&A:

Derek Palmer:

Realistically, how big is the step up to BTCC?
"I think the answer to this question is, it's a big step up, not just for me but for the whole team. I've raced all over the world in many forms of car, but there is nothing quite as competitive as the BTCC.

"And for the guys as well, this is a completely new challenge to them, a new form of combat if you will. But this is something we have taken on willingly, knowing full well what and who we are up against. And believe me, we're more than up to the challenge. I'm just excited to get started and to work with the guys.

What would qualify as a good weekend for you and the team?
"Realistically, three finishes would be fantastic. We want to ensure we maximise the opportunity to learn about the car and what we have underneath us, and how to utilise it as best we can.

"It's the BTCC and you can never predict how it's going to go, so I'll just go out there and do the best job I can and let's see where we end up.

"This is the first step on a very big adventure for the whole team and I'm just so excited to get out in the first Free Practice session on Saturday morning."

Richard Hawken:
How disappointed are you not to be racing this weekend?
"Naturally I'm disappointed to not be behind the wheel at the season opener.

"Having not driven the car yet due to technical issues faced earlier this week, and the BTCC a championship rarely being kind to the unprepared driver, I'll now learn from the data we will collect over the weekend and head to Donington in a stronger position in two weeks’ time."

But you'll be cheering the team, and Derek from the garage?
“We’ve already come so far as a team in a relatively short space of time. The Paras, as we expected, have learned their craft fast.

"It’s just amazing how they’ve switched their expertise from 'rifle to ratchet', testament to the continued training they receive at ISOPR HQ.

"I for one, along with many of our sponsors present at the weekend, will be cheering both the Paras and Derek Jnr on from the pit wall as he debuts the first of our stunning Q50 BTCC racers."

Jordan Aiming for third consecutive Brands Hatch pole

2013 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Champion Andrew Jordan is aiming for his third consecutive pole position at the opening event of the season this weekend at Brands Hatch. Having made the switch to manufacturer MG machinery this season with Triple Eight Racing, the 25-year-old will be hoping to repeat his past successes that were achieved behind the wheel of a Honda Civic.

“I’m so focused to do that,” explains the former champ. “To get pole three years on the trot at the first race will be fantastic, and to do it this year with a new team and new car, that’s really my aim. It’s all about who doesn’t get traffic and who strings their lap together the best, which I’ve managed to do in the last few years. It will be close, that’s for sure.”

As well as qualifying pace, Jordan has also been a pace-setter in race trim at the tight action-packed Kent venue.

“I’m more experienced than when I initially drove for Triple Eight and I’m driving a lot better too," continued the #77 driver. "I’ve got a title now, so that monkey is off my back, and this is the first year I can focus solely on being a racing driver. The MG is a very good car and we’ve got a great team here; I want to lead the team forward and go for the title again.”

Tune into qualifying on the ITV BTCC website on Saturday 4 April, and watch all the racing action live on ITV4 from 10:30 to 18:30 on Sunday 5 April.

#ForeverForward: Dunlop launch new league to highlight the top overtakers in BTCC

The Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship is the UK’s number one motorsport championship, hugely popular with fans across Great Britain. There are many reasons why the championship wins the hearts of so many motoring enthusiasts and one of them is due to the sheer amount of action and overtaking at every race.

Dunlop, the Official Sponsor and Tyre Supplier to the championship, has launched a new overtaking league table that will focus on the battles throughout the field, the fightbacks from adversity and the determination of the best drivers in bumper-to-bumper combat.

The #ForeverForward league table will be discussed on Dunlop Social feeds and will show which drivers have made the biggest improvement from their starting position to finishing position. At the end of the year, the driver who has made the most progress during the season will receive the prestigious new Dunlop #ForeverForward trophy.

“In recent seasons the BTCC has provided compelling viewing for spectators and thrilling action for TV viewers. We asked fans why they love this championship and they told us it was the overtaking, the battles and the fighting throughout the field. In a world where many racing championships get criticised for providing processional races, we believe this award, and the debate it will create on social media, will also attract new audiences to the excitement of the BTCC.” stated Tony Ward, Dunlop Marketing Manager.

The #ForeverForward hashtag will be used on the @DunlopLive Twitter feed to create conversations around the best overtaking moves across the season.

BTCC Brands Hatch Giveaway with WIX Racing

Ahead of the first event of the 2015 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch, btcc.net has teamed up with WIX Racing and Brands Hatch for a special ticket giveaway today (2 April).

If you live in Kent, you’ll need to keep a close eye on the WIX Racing and BTCC social media feeds today, as the liveried Mercedes A Class road car will be heading to a number of locations in the county with a pair of tickets and some other goodies to give away.

The first person to speak to our man on the ground with the password “BTCC is Here” will get their hands on a pair of entry tickets for Brands Hatch!

Follow WIX Racing on Twitter and Facebook

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DAVID ADDISON’S ‘MOONLIGHTING’ 2015: EPISODE FOUR

Last year, a regular pre-season question posed was: “Who is going to be best rookie?” I confidently banged the drum for Marc Hynes, you may recall, and was spot off in my assessment. Therefore, the voracity of this Moonlighting is open to immediate question…

Inevitably, there has been much discussion about who will be champion and there is a list of five, maybe six, drivers that you can expect to be fighting for the win. But what about those looking to score a first win? How can they be expected to shape up this year?

In some ways it may be easier to score a win this year given that the new ballast regulations are going to play a bigger part than before. Given the effects that 75 kilos are likely to have, there is a reasonable assumption that the wins will be spread across a greater range of drivers. That said, we will have to go some to better the record 11 different winners of 2014.

Let’s start with Adam Morgan and the WIX Racing Mercedes-Benz. Yes, yes, I know he won at Brands at the end of last year but he did inherit that win after a Jason Plato penalty and I am sure Adam is itching to take the flag first and score what could be regarded as a proper win. The Mercedes made solid progress during 2014 and Adam’s racecraft has improved and this, coupled with engineering ace Paul Ridgway’s contribution, should have the car up front this year.

Then you come to Jack Goff. I was surprised that when JG got the Volkswagen last year, he didn’t leap up the order, but this year he has no reason not to be at the pointy end of the grid. He drives the second MG6 at Triple Eight Racing and drives the ex-Plato chassis, which has proved its ability to win races in the past. Putting Goff in a team like Triple Eight should help him develop as well and he is on the verge of a breakthrough season. That maiden win can’t be far away which will be just reward for a driver who works incredibly hard to find funding for his racing, but he has to deliver: he has the team and car to do the job, so he has to come good now. This could be make or break season for Jack. I reckon he’ll make…

And then you daren’t overlook Tom Ingram. He looked impressive last year but never achieved the results his talent demanded due to myriad circumstances. A number of teams have shown an interest in TIngram over the winter but he has remained at Speedworks and collectively they need to take a step forward. Reliability was an issue last season but the team has worked hard over the winter to take that step forward and the package should gel in 2015.

Now, how about a win for Warren Scott? You may dismiss the thought straight away, but then factor in ballast, reversed grids and how far he and the team have come in two seasons. Take the set-up data from Colin Turkington and Jason Plato and his car, surely, will be closer to the front. So, if he avoids weight and gets a good grid position for race three it is possible that a win could go his way. He’ll need to make fewer errors but Warren, rightly, points to his driving improving with each race. Worth a few quid on good odds, perhaps…

As for the newcomers, such as Mike Bushell and Josh Cook, I think their main task is to get up to speed in the BTCC and adapt to its nuances. Whatever people think, winning in the BTCC isn’t easy. Only the best do so, drivers and teams, and while we may well get some quirky results this year, expecting every driver to be able to win isn’t realistic. It’s tough out there, but this new ballast spread will certainly throw up some surprises.

I still think that keeping away from maximum ballast is a good idea. If you can be lighter and score regular thirds and fourths, for example, that should prove better than winning and then coming, say, ninth in the next race when the full weight really hurts. Remember, we are talking 75 kilos now as the heaviest amount you can carry and that is the weight of a person. I think that’ll have a noticeable effect, certain circuits more than others, but it will hurt.

So, throw that in, the race two grid format, further restrictions on the BMWs, shuffling of top drivers and teams, new drivers… the list goes on! A superb season is in prospect. It’s a brave man that makes any confident predictions this year!

Track debut for Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing

The Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing BTCC car ran for the first time at Mallory Park this morning (Wednesday).

Derek Palmer took the honour of debuting the car as the Scotsman completed a detailed, scheduled number of installation and shakedown laps.

The premium Japanese marque worked tirelessly in an attempt to ready its pair of Q50s in time for Brands Hatch although admitted it faced a huge challenge ahead of the weekend.

There will certainly be one of the striking machines on the grid in Kent, however, as Palmer progressively worked through the development programme on the first car this afternoon. The car, prepared by injured ex-servicemen from the Parachute Regiment, went on to complete a series of race-pace laps at the Leicestershire track.

"We completed everything we set ourselves for this first running," team principal Derek Palmer Snr said. "The guys did a fantastic job preparing the car, and it was an emotional moment seeing it take to the track for the first time.

"Everyone in the team has worked tirelessly to get to where we are. We know we're a work-in-progress, but we know we have the team to deliver."

The not-for-profit team, which will also run Richard Hawken in a second NGTC Infiniti Q50, will donate 100% of its profits to Support Our Paras, the official charity of the Parachute Regiment. The team had planned to run a second car in this weekend's opening triple-header, but will now only run one at Brands Hatch.

"We experienced a late technical problem today which, after detailed analysis, has unfortunately resulted in the second car now not being in a position to race at Brands Hatch," Palmer Snr explained.

"Of course it's disappointing, but this is exactly what test sessions such as today's are intended to discover before we head into a race weekend. We can now take the necessary steps to ensure the same problem doesn't materialise in the other car."

The team will decide later this week whether Palmer Jnr or team-mate Richard Hawken, will race at the weekend. After driving the car for the first time today, under cloudless blue skies, Palmer admitted he was delighted to finally get behind the wheel of the BTCC racer.

"I've dreamed about this day for so long," the 28-year-old Scot said. "Today is the culmination of six months hard work for the team.

"We set ourselves a specific programme today, and we worked through the process and ticked off all the boxes, so we're happy with where we are as we head towards the first race at Brands Hatch."

Tin Top Tuesday is back!

What better way to kick off this Easter week of BTCC festivities than by tuning in to the world famous Tin Top Tuesday?

The 2-hour show, hosted by the BTCC’s ever-present pitlane commentator Alan Hyde, will be aired from 8pm this evening and will include a host of headlining guests.

Alan Gow will be live in the studio as he looks ahead to what is sure to be an epic 2015 BTCC season. The Series Director will also be fielding your questions so get in touch with the show on Twitter at @TinTopTuesday using the hashtag #AskAlan.

Reigning champion Colin Turkington will be joining the team for a live interview, as will MG new boy Jack Goff, whilst ITV’s Tim Harvey will inform listeners on what to look out for on the track and on your screens ahead of this weekend.

There will be the usual fun and frolics that you’d expect from any Tin Top Tuesday so make sure you tune into the 2015 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship preview show at www.tintoptuesday.com.

BTCC ready for Brands Hatch blast off

One of the most unpredictable Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship seasons ever is set to roar into life next weekend (4/5 April) at Brands Hatch in Kent. With almost all of the championship front-runners having switched teams or cars during the off-season, the biggest prize in UK motor sport is all to play for.

A full entry of 32 cars was announced at the Season Launch earlier this week, and the hundreds of thousands of spectators who will head to the trackside over the 2015 campaign are certain to see another spectacular set of BTCC battles between now and the season finale on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit in October.

An impressive myriad of 13 different models of car representing 11 of the world’s best known and biggest car manufacturers will go all out for glory over 30 races, with five former champions and a further seven race winning drivers sure to be leading the pack.

The BTCC is set to receive more television coverage around the world than ever before in 2015. All the racing action will once again be broadcast live and in high definition in the UK on free-to-air ITV4 HD. Along with extensive highlights on both ITV and ITV4, the BTCC has also inked an impressive new broadcast deal with CBS Sports Network in North America that will see all the action beamed to 60 million homes and available on demand in the region for the first time. What’s more, CBSSN has awarded a prime time slot on Wednesday evenings for the highlights programme.

Talking point: Roll the dice
The off-season shuffle of teams and drivers has this year created even more of a stir than usual. Almost all of the leading drivers have switched teams, and perhaps most sensationally the top two drivers from last year – Colin Turkington and Jason Plato – have signed to race as stable-mates at Team BMR. With the pair having set the pace at the only official pre-season test at Donington Park, their VW CCs will certainly be in the mix once racing commences.

Last year’s manufacturer champions MG enter the fray with two new drivers. Young gun Jack Goff will line up alongside 2013 champion Andrew Jordan, who is hoping a move to the Triple Eight Racing-run squad will give him the best chance of lifting the championship trophy for a second time.

Honda Yuasa Racing sensationally unveiled the brand new Civic Type R at the recent Season Launch, with its experienced campaigners Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden amongst the few title contenders to remain with their 2014 team. With the race car hitting the track long before the production model hits the road, the BTCC is the only place in the UK to see arguably the most eagerly anticipated car of the year in action.

An all-new manufacturer joins the UK’s premier motor sport series for the coming season, as premium Japanese marque Infiniti enters the fray with its impressive Q50 model. In partnership with the charity Support Our Paras, Infiniti Support Our Parars Racing takes to the circuit both to compete at the highest level and raise support for injured soldiers – several of whom now have key roles within the team itself.

West Surrey Racing has two new drivers alongside team stalwart Rob Collard in 2015, as rising star Sam Tordoff is brought in alongside stellar signing Andy Priaulx. The triple World Touring Car Champion is behind the wheel of the car that won every championship possible in 2014, so expect to see him at the front before long.

Racing to inspire:
Another major talking point in the build up to Brands Hatch has been the announcement that Nicolas Hamilton will become the first disabled driver to race in the BTCC. Brother of reigning Formula 1 World Champion Lewis, Nicolas has previously raced on the TOCA package in the Renault UK Clio Cup, but this season will compete as a guest entry from Croft onwards in an Audi S3 Saloon run by AmDTuning.com

Local Heroes:
Champion squad West Surrey Racing has three new-look BMW 125i M Sport machines to bring to Brands Hatch over the Easter weekend. Collard and Tordoff will run under the Team JCT600 with GardX banner and touring car legend Priaulx will race for Team IHG Rewards Club. The triple world champion said: "The Indy Circuit is incredibly challenging, but I love Brands Hatch – I just can't wait to get started."

AmDTuning.com is fielding the reigning champion of one of the BTCC’s most popular support series – the Renault UK Clio Cup – as Mike Bushell takes to the wheel of its Ford Focus. The Thurrock-based squad achieved its first ever podium at Knockhill last season, and with Bushell also being a local racer from Kent, both driver and team will be hoping for home success.

Dartford-based RCIB Insurance Racing returns to the grid this season with Kieran Gallagher piloting its sole Toyota Avensis. The Scottish driver made his debut for the team in 2013 at Knockhill, and he now returns to contest his first full season in the BTCC.

Timetable and tickets:
The first three BTCC races of the year will take place on Sunday 5 April, with the entire race day being broadcast live and in high definition on ITV4 from 10:30am. What’s more, ITV will be live from Brands Hatch for an extra half hour on Sunday to give even more time for pre and post-race analysis of what’s going to be a fascinating curtain raiser. Circuit commentary and live timing from every session will be available on the btcc.net Live Zone throughout the weekend.

In addition to the BTCC, the support series on the TOCA package are set to bring even more action to the fans at Brands Hatch. The new-for-2015 MSA Formula has attracted plenty of attention since it launched at the Silverstone round of the BTCC last season. Sportscar racing fans will get their fix with races from the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup, Porsche Carrera Cup GB and KICK Start Energy Ginetta Junior Championship, whilst the Renault UK Clio Cup – often seen as a stepping-stone to reaching the BTCC – will also feature on the huge bill of British racing.

Tickets for the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season-opener at Brands Hatch on 4/5 April are available from £26, with free entry for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0843 453 9000 or visit www.brandshatch.co.uk. All admission includes access to Sunday’s lunchtime autograph session with the BTCC drivers in the pit lane as well as free parking.

Click here for a full event timetable.

Eight hours of live ITV coverage to start new BTCC season

The 2015 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship is set to dominate the ITV4 schedule on Easter Sunday (5 April) with a whopping eight hours of live, free-to-air and exclusive UK television coverage from the opening event of the season at Brands Hatch.

Such has been the excitement and anticipation ahead of the new BTCC season that ITV bosses have cemented its morning preview airtime while significantly extending its post-race analysis coverage. The move to increase the broadcast slot from last year’s 18:00 finish to 18:30 ensures that viewers will get to see more build-up and reaction to the opening BTCC rounds than ever before.

With coverage starting at 10:30 viewers in the UK will get more than one hour of previews, interviews and features – many of which were filmed at the series’ annual Season Launch event earlier this week.

The racing action commences with the opening contest of the BTCC campaign at 11:45 and will be followed by live coverage from the Ginetta Juniors, Porsche Carrera Cup GB, UK Clio Cup, Ginetta GT4 Supercup and the newly launched MSA Formula.

All three BTCC races around the tight 1.2-mile Indy circuit will be screened live before viewers are treated to nearly one hour of reaction from what is sure to be an action packed and unpredictable start to the new season.

ITV will continue to screen around seven hours of live free-to-air coverage from each event on both its ITV4 and ITV4 HD channels as well as the itv.com website throughout the year. Adding to the coverage are 60-minute edited race highlights repeated three times after each event on ITV and ITV4 as well as their respective HD channels and ‘simulcast’ on itv.com. In total more than 230 hours of the BTCC will be broadcast across the ITV network with greater exclusive video content also being added to its website.

With global interest in the series continuing to grow fans from across the pond will also be pleased with the improved coverage in their region. The BTCC's new North American broadcast partner, CBS Sports Network, has been busy finalising its own schedules ahead of the new season with the BTCC being awarded a prime time slot on Wednesday evenings.

One hour highlights will be shown at 21:30 (ET) on the 15 April with a further two replays of the same programme already scheduled. Furthermore www.Torque.TV – North America’s new home for motorsports and high performance automotive lifestyle – will also carry each one-hour BTCC highlight programme online for 90 days after each event via its VOD (Video On Demand) platform.

With the latest North American deal providing BTCC action to more than 60 million households it ensures that BTCC will be available to more than 500 million homes worldwide in 2015.