Photo: Bob & Steve Knightley

Bell enjoys first Astra run

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Martyn Bell has joined the list of drivers to have tested their new car for the coming HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship.
The ever-smiling Martyn enjoyed his first run in the Arkas Racing Team’s Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch carrying new sponsorhip from Sunshine.co.uk at Snetterton yesterday. Martyns’ new team-mate for 2008 is former Turkish Touring Car Champion, Erkut Kizilirmak.

Due to the typical British weather for March in Norfolk, the track was too cold and damp to complete the sort of serious testing the Barrow-upon-Humber racer would have liked, only managing to put the car on slicks at mid-day so ending-up treating the run as a shakedown test.

“I really enjoyed the day, although it was a bit cold!” Martyn said. “With the track temperature being so low, we weren’t chasing times or anything like that so it was just a case of me driving round to get used to the car and adapt to it. We didn’t bother putting new rubber on as it just wasn’t worth it, but even on old tyres and without getting them warm, it felt really well balanced and the only problem I had was that I couldn’t see out of the drivers side mirror properly!

“The team was gelling really well, which I’m really pleased about, and I’m looking forward to a solid test next week at the media day. After so long running rear-wheel drive, I just need time in the car to get used to the change to front-wheel, but we have more testing planned before the season starts at Brands Hatch and I’ll soon get used to it.”

Arkas technical director Brian Ashwood and Techspeed team chief Marvin Humphries were both happy with how the test had panned out as preparations continue for the new season with their next move to the BTCC media day at Rockingham next Wednesday.

“We have achieved a good shakedown session and systems check for both Martyn’s Astra and Martyn himself,” they said. “Although the day started wet and cold it dried sufficiently for us to use both wets and slicks but remained cold. Martyn confirmed to us that he was comfortable in the car and building confidence in his transition from rear to front wheel drive and we all look forward to further track time at media day next week.”