British Touring Car Championship newcomer Simon Belcher enjoyed his first test behind the wheel of his Toyota Avensis at Silverstone, as the former Renault Clio Cup racer gets to grips with the BTCC machinery.
Belcher is to graduate from the BTCC-supporting Renault Clio Cup for 2014, running in a Toyota by Handy Motorsport with support from established Toyota team Speedworks Motorsport.
“It’s been a brilliant day, it was everything I expected”, said 39-year-old Belcher. “I’d never even sat in a touring car before today and we weren’t a million miles away by the end, so I’m really pleased. We made some good progress and I really enjoyed working with the Speedworks guys for the first time.”
Belcher enjoyed an encouraging day of testing, despite problems with the car’s ECU (Engine Control Unit) during the morning.
“I wondered how the speed of the car would feel and compare to the Clio I’ve been racing the past two years, and the touring car does have so much more power,” added Belcher. “What needed getting used to the most, though, was the brakes – you really have to stand on them.
“When you’re strapped into the car it doesn’t feel that much bigger, but the steering is harder work and everything is just that bit heavier.
“The more aggressive you drive a touring car, the smoother it feels, so you really have to grab it by the throat to get the most out of it. That’s different to what I’ve been used to with the Clio and something to work on over the winter.”