Nic Hamilton completes first BTCC test at Brands Hatch
Nicolas Hamilton confirmed he was “looking forward to the challenge” of getting to grips with the BTCC after completing his maiden test with AmD Tuning at Brands Hatch on Friday.
Hamilton hit the track in the ex-Robb Holland Audi S3 in the first of up to four planned test days, ahead of his debut in the championship at Croft at the end of June.
And despite a few minor off-track excursions, including an incident where he was tapped into a spin by another car, he declared himself happy with his progress.
Hamilton said: “The test was all about getting myself used to the car. It’s nothing like anything I’ve driven before so it’s a steep learning curve. I’m just delighted to have been out there as it’s something I’ve been looking forward to for a very long time. Now we can focus on making progress ahead of our first race weekend.
“It’s been the kind of day you would expect and everything has pretty much gone to plan. “We’ve been running on old tyres and not overly focused on set-up as the whole day has really been based around making myself familiar with new surroundings.
“We’re hoping to have another three or four test days before my first race weekend and I’m looking forward to joining the action at Croft. I’m not putting too much pressure on myself or setting any targets at this stage but I’m just really looking forward to the challenge.”
Hamilton will become the series’ first ever disabled driver when he joins the grid, and this has required some essential modifications to the S3, including significant changes to the pedal set-up, and the addition of a hand clutch, controlled from the steering wheel via a paddle shift.
AmD Tuning team principal Shaun Hollamby said: “Everyone has worked really hard to get to this point. Team Manager Rob Tickner and the boys have done a great job and we’re really pleased with how Nic has approached his first day behind the wheel. We’ll gradually up the ante and I’m sure we’ll be ready for Croft.”
Further tests for Hamilton have been scheduled for Donington Park and Snetterton.
