International interest in second Rotek Racing Audi

Robb Holland says he has had drivers from America and France express an interest in piloting a second Rotek Racing Audi S3 in the British Touring Car Championship.

Holland said he was unable to name names at this stage, but said talks had taken place with two “very well established” drivers from the USA, who will be joining the team at the Dunlop test day at Snetterton.

The American, who is taking part in his first full BTCC season, says the team is prepared to “step up their pace” to build a second car if a driver makes a firm commitment.

Speaking to TouringCarTimes, Holland said: “We have a lot of drivers interested in the second car – two American drivers who are coming in for the Dunlop test, and a French driver who is interested as well. And we’ve had a few nibbles from other drivers.

“Everyone knows we have the ability to put a competitive car on the grid, and I think that is the test for the team, that we still have drivers who are interested in coming in for next year.”

Looking ahead to the second half of 2014, Holland said the break would be spent working to improve the S3, including windtunnel time. Croft proved a tough weekend after progress at Oulton Park, but Holland said he was confident of making further forward steps.

He said: “Oulton Park was really good for us. We did find something in race two which made me really happy, and something we could build on.

“In race three we got up as high as P12 which is really as high as I’ve run in touring cars. A lot of that was on merit, and I was really happy with that.

“We came to Croft looking to make that next step, but we stepped backwards. As long as we get some testing in, I think we should be able to progress and we will be better in the second half of the season.

“For me we are also getting into the tracks that I know. When you come out of the pitlane, and you’re thinking ‘OK, which way does the track go’, then it’s difficult to be on the pace.”

Regardless of his results on track, Holland said he is still enjoying being part of the BTCC.

“I still think it is one of the best racing series in the world right now. If you look at all the fans at Oulton Park, it was a sellout – it was unbelievable the amount of spectators who were there,” he said.