Power Maxed Racing’s brand new Vauxhall Astra completed its first laps at Donington Park today, as Senna Proctor ventured out onto the track in the newly-developed factory-backed car.
It marks the first public appearance of the car, which is the newest to feature on the British Touring Car Championship grid.
Team Principal Adam Weaver admits that seeing the team’s self-developed car hit the track for the first time was a special moment.
“It is a very proud moment for our car to take to the circuit for the first time,” said Weaver. “We started building the Astra just before Christmas and to see it turning a wheel is a special feeling for the team. There has been a lot of hard work put into this programme already and these are still our first steps.
“The initial mileage isn’t really a test for us, it is an extended shakedown and a systems check. We have work to do, but there is no pressure with this first test.”
The initial roll out was completed by rookie driver Proctor, with experienced driver Tom Chilton completing WTCC testing with Sébastien Loeb Racing.
The car will undergo further testing in the coming weeks at the hands of both drivers, whilst the official unveiling of the new livery will take place at the BTCC Season Launch on 16 March, also at Donington Park.