Gareth Howell tested SEAT Toledo

Race winner Gareth Howell geared up for his first full BTCC campaign by testing the Motorbase Performance-prepared SEAT Toledo racer that he will race in this year’s series. The 26-year-old Beckenham-based driver took advantage of yesterday (Thursday) afternoon’s test session on the Brands Indy circuit to get to grips with the Toledo which was previously campaigned by SEAT Sport UK in 2005.

“The car feels great,” enthused Howell. “It’s much less nervous than the Integra that I drove last year. Unlike the Honda it’s left-hand-drive, but to be honest it was three laps before I even realised I was sat on the other side, which I suppose is a good indication of how comfortable I feel in it.”

He continued: “The Toledo’s a fantastic car and Motorbase are a great team to be part of, so the combination should work very well and I’m looking forward to an exciting year.”

Motorbase is shortly to announce Howell’s team-mate and may even run a third Toledo later in the season.

Team principal Dave Bartrum said: “We dipped our toes in the water last year – this year we’re jumping right in head first! It’s a serious challenge for honours and luring Gareth away from the current title holding team shows that we mean business.”