HMS Racing’s new-for-2018 Alfa Romeo Giulietta made it’s first on-circuit appearance at Donington Park yesterday [20th February] as the Swindon-based outfit continue their preparations ahead of the 2018 British Touring Car Championship season.
In the hands of multiple race-winner Rob Austin, the squad worked through installation laps on a damp circuit during the morning before racking up the miles in the afternoon, gaining invaluable data ahead of the first round at Brands Hatch in April.
The car is now set for further chassis improvements before resuming testing at the Kent circuit in a fortnight.
“We have been working towards this day for some time,” said Team Principal Simon Belcher.
“This project has been years in the making and the build of the car has been a lengthy process too. There was a chance to make it happen in 2017, but I always said that you can’t start building a car at Christmas and expect to be competitive come the start of the season.
“It was paramount that we started the build in July and we were able to announce the programme at Rockingham last August. To be on track six weeks before the new season is a great achievement, but we obviously still have a lot of work to do.”
“It went really well,” enthused Austin. “I am really proud of everyone involved; it has been a great day.
“We believe we’ve built an awesome car, but you’re never quite sure until you hit the track. We still have so much to do of course, but we are hugely excited and even more optimistic than we were before.”