Aron Smith: “I think I played the team game”

Team BMR’s Aron Smith found himself embroiled in controversy at Brands Hatch after Jason Plato’s criticisms live on ITV, but the Irishman said he “played the team game” on finals day and was happy with the team’s success.

Smith rounded off his 2015 campaign with a best finish of second place in race one, but things came to a head when Plato said Smith had “probably got himself the sack” for not helping his title bid.

Smith refuted Plato’s suggestions and said he was pleased to see Colin Turkington take the independents’ title, and the team take the teams’ crown.

“I think I played the team game from start to finish. The communications were right and we did the best we could to get the team result,” said Smith to TouringCarTimes.

“We still had the teams’ championship to wrap up which we did, and I helped as much as I could. I was delighted Jason got into the last round with a mathematical chance and it was good to see him go on and win the race.

“Overall I’m happy. This is motorsport, and that’s life.”

Looking ahead, Smith said he was hopeful of staying with Warren Scott’s squad for 2016.

“I’ve absolutely loved this year, despite all the heartache and the odd breakdown here and there. We had a great run of things and BMR have done an unbelievable job,” he said.

“I hope to be here and I hope to be in a slightly different position come the last round.”