Rob Austin resolved to fulfill the current race-winning potential of his Handy Motorsport package in this year’s British Touring Car Championship after the wraps were lifted on an altered livery for the Toyota Avensis at the Autosport International Show.
Austin, who claimed the first podium finishes in Handy Motorsport’s history at Snetterton, Silverstone and Brands Hatch last campaign, has renewed optimism ahead of his seventh consecutive season in the championship, having retained his seat at Simon Belcher’s outfit with the continued support of his sponsors.
The fans favourite claimed 16th overall in last season’s Drivers Championship, and hasn’t visited the winner’s circle since his triumph in the reverse grid race at Rockingham in 2014.
Reflecting on an inconsistent couple of seasons away from the top step of the rostrum, Austin believes all the ingredients are now in place to deliver on Handy Motorsport’s promise and emulate Tom Ingram in making the Avensis a race-winning machine in the BTCC once again.
“It’s been a very long time since I have been so excited for a season’s racing and I’m determined to get back on the top step of the podium this year”, said Austin, “I’ve been doing this for a while now, this will be my seventh season in the BTCC, but there’s always been a compromise or something has been missing from the package.
“I have never been anywhere near this confident that I have the right package to do the job! I’ve won races before and I’m very well placed to do some more of it this season, that’s the target we’re all setting ourselves.”
He added: “I’ve got to say a huge thankyou to Simon [Belcher], not only for keeping faith in us but for giving me all the tools and support we need. Not just to run a front-running BTCC car, but to also ensure our partners see maximum return on their investment and our VIP guests receive the absolute best ‘money-can’t-buy’ experience in the team’s pristine Hospitality suite.”
The Autosport Show continues at the NEC in Birmingham until Sunday 15th February.