Frank Wrathall pleased with win after “step into the unknown”

Frank Wrathall was pleased that he was able to live up to the potential of the Audi 80 Quattro, as he took victory in the first Super Touring race of the weekend.

The former BTCC driver lined up 12th on the grid after qualifying was disrupted by rain, but by the end of the first two laps found himself on the back bumper of the Honda Accord of reigning champion James Dodd.

An impressive battle ensued between Wrathall and Dodd, with the former winning and putting in a number of incredibly quick times on his way to victory on his return to touring car racing.

“First and foremost thanks to Jan van Nierop and all the boys for putting this together and giving me the opportunity,” Wrathall told TouringCarTimes. “On paper the car had the potential but obviously I’ve not been driving for a little while and I haven’t really driven the car in anger. I did a little test at the media day and didn’t drive it on Thursday’s test day.”

“It was a real step into the unknown. I knew the first laps were important from where I started. I found my way on that first lap and I was soon up into second and could see where I had the advantage in the fast corners and to be honest on the brakes more than anything. Into Brooklands I could really anchor on and pull some time back as it leapt off the corners we put that down to being four-wheel-drive, and it was a pleasure to drive.”

Wrathall now has a chance to repeat the double victory he scored in 2013, although the first race was handed to him after the on-the-road winner was disqualified for contact with a rival on the final lap. Despite his previous successes, Wrathall is not expecting anything, despite rain, which should suit the Quattro, forecast for the race.

“The first race in 2013 the first race definitely was a gift, pace and performance wise I should’ve been fifth – when I was racing Jonny [Westbrook, series organiser]’s Cavalier – we made the changes for the second race and won that fair and square. I think I took a lot out of my tyres in that race if it is dry, but I think we’re going to have different conditions tomorrow.

“In theory the weather should help because it’s four wheel drive, but it’s a turbo so it depends how smooth the power comes in and ultimately how quickly I can get used to driving that car in the wet. It’s the first four wheel drive car I’ve driven, again on paper it should be good. I just want to have some fun and enjoy this event.”