Rob Austin believes that he is set for his most competitive season in the British Touring Car Championship, after carrying out his first pre-season test of the year at a wet Silverstone circuit.
Austin completed a number of laps around the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit in the typically wet January conditions which have blighted the UK since the beginning of the year.
Austin ran without a livery for the test, with the final colour scheme set to be unveiled at the official BTCC media day in March.
“We’re already ahead of the game,” admitted Austin. “Sherman [his Audi’s nickname] has run perfectly straight out of the box and just feels more sorted than ever. The team have done a brilliant job in the build of the car – it’s a real work of art.
“Even though it’s been wet and cold here at Silverstone, we’ve still gathered some valuable data and worked through a number of set-up changes which have told us a lot. Plus, as a driver, it’s great to blow away the cobwebs. This is the first time our team has had the luxury of a proper pre-season testing programme for touring cars – we have another six or so test days still to come – and I’m delighted by where we are already.”
