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Thruxton test sees BTCC stars out in force

By MJP Media | 18 February 2015

Today saw the first of two days testing for many of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championships stars at a cold but sunny Thruxton circuit in Hampshire.

Andrew Jordan in his 2015 Pirtek Racing MG6

After the recent exciting announcements in the series, this was the first chance for many of the drivers and their new teams to get out on track. Whilst the BTCC's very own 'boy band' super group at BMR Racing weren't out today, their potential rivals for the 2015 team honours, WSR, were out with Rob Collard, Andy Priaulx and Sam Tordoff all in their own cars and enjoying the chance to test the three upgraded BMW 125i M Sports at the BTCC's fastest circuit of the year. Rob Collard particularly enjoys Thruxton as he lives just down the road!

Also enjoying their time in a new car was Andrew Jordan with Triple Eight Racing in the Pirtek Racing MG6 following a maiden run at Brands Hatch. After stepping out of the car for the first time, the 2013 champion said: "First impressions are that the general feeling's pretty similar to the Honda to be honest. It is all the same running gear, so there aren't too many differences in terms of fundamentals. From the moment I started I wanted to be a full factory driver, so the outcome of that happening is something I've had plenty of time to consider. Last year I took to the grid as champion and that brought about an added confidence; I feel the same about being a works driver."

Andy Priaulx driving his IHG Rewards Club liveried BMW 125i M Sport

Alex Martin was keen to get some serious track time in as he seeks to develop his Dextra liveried, Motorbase Performance prepared 2015 Ford Focus. The car has undergone significant upgrades over the winter and should be even more competitive than it was last year. Martin, who is a full season BTCC rookie, is a very experienced driver and the team and he found the sessions very useful.

Returning Honda driver Jeff Smith was putting his Honda Civic through its paces following a year out of the championship due to business commitments. Jeff looked pretty good and was soon getting to grips with the car and the circuit and was clearly enjoying being back.

Sam Tordoff in an un-liveried WSR prepared BMW 125i M Sport

Tomorrow's test day looks set to be more difficult for the teams as heavy rain is forecast for much of the day, so wet tyre data gathering may well be the order of the day. It is likely that the BMR Racing boys will be at Thruxton tomorrow and it will be interesting to see what they can get from the day as their four drivers enjoy the first outing together on the same team.

More driver announcements are expected next week and we will bring you all of the news here.

Images courtesy of Paul Davies/MJP Media

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