First pics – teams test at Thruxton

British Touring Car Championship teams have started testing ahead of the new season. Three top teams were present at a cold and crisp Thruxton today. Gordon Shedden was on hand to help test a new rear suspension of the Team Dynamics Honda Civic and the team was reported to be happy with the improvement in handling it gave to the car.

Team RAC completed many laps with both cars, Colin Turkington and Stephen Jelley behind the wheel of the BMW 320si.

Harry Vaulkhard was also present in the Tempus Sport-prepared Chevorlet Lacetti. Unfortunately the test ended early in the day as the car hit the barriers at the complex.

Fortunately Vaulkhard escaped unharmed while the Chevrolet suffered front left hand damage to the car. Before the crash Vaulkhard was reported to have done 1.19-times, which is fast in the cold conditions.

The Vauxhall-team was not present during the test. The team is reported to be abroad for private tests. But new Vauxhall-man Andrew Jordan was present during the test with his father and the Renault Clio Cup-car they are maintaining.

Meanwhile Arena Motorsport were at Snetterton testing their new Ford Focus ST in the hands of Tom Chilton. Reports are the test went well and Chilton is happy with the progress.

The first official test day will take place at Rockingham during the annual press day on Thursday 19th March.