WSR: ‘We’ve left no stone unturned’ in search for set-up solution

WSR Team Principal Dick Bennetts says the team has ‘left no stone unturned’ in its search for a set-up solution which will ease its woes after the British Touring Car Championship season opener.

The BMW team struggled in the season opener at Donington Park, where Jake Hill was its best driver with a brace of fourths, as it came away from a race weekend without a podium finish for the first time since the 2021 season finale.

The team has struggled with the removal of the hybrid system following the 2024 season, as the cars are now lighter and the changes have affected the weight distribution and setups of the rear-wheel drive machines more than their front-wheel drive rivals.

In addition, long-time driver Colin Turkington left the BTCC ahead of the season, whilst it has welcomed new drivers Aiden Moffat, Daryl DeLeon and rookie Charles Rainford, leaving Hill as the de-facto team leader.

Last year, WSR scored a brace of victories on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit with Turkington, and the 3 Series has taken a total of seven wins at the Kent circuit since its introduction in 2019.

Team Principal Dick Bennetts pointed to that previous success as he referenced the work the team has been doing since the season opener.

“It’s no secret that the rule changes for 2025 have benefitted the front-wheel-drive cars, so we were expecting Donington to be tough after our performance at Media Day,” said Bennetts.

“With this in mind I was pleased with the progress we made. We have a very experienced technical team here and we’ve left no stone unturned as we look to find a set-up that will help all four drivers unlock the performance from the BMWs this weekend.

“We are naturally targeting a more competitive showing at a circuit where we won twice last year.”

Hill is hoping for a confidence boost at his home venue and the location where he secured his maiden BTCC title in 2024.

“Although we made progress during the opening weekend and came away with a good points haul, our full focus has been on raising our game and challenging those at the front of the grid,” said Hill.

“Returning to Brands Hatch is a real confidence boost. Being born and raised in Kent, it’s a special place for me, and I can’t wait to get out there in front of a home crowd.

“Brands Hatch Indy presents a unique challenge with its short layout, which makes qualifying crucial for Sunday’s races.

“There’s little room for error, but I’m confident that both the team and I will be giving everything we’ve got to be back fighting at the front.”