Turkish team prepare for European bow

Borusan Otomotiv Motorsport are gearing up for their European debut this weekend, and already have plans to strengthen their ETCC line-up later in the year. Ibrahim Okyay is due to drive a single car entry for the Turkish team in Braga this weekend, but Team Manager Ersun Büyükpýnar hope to add a second car for the later events.

“We know that our rivals are very competitive and experienced, it will be tough especially because this is our first appearance in the ETCC,” said Büyükpýnar.

“However we will put in our best efforts. Ibrahim Okyay will compete in the whole series, and we are trying to finalize the participation of Aytac Biter at the wheel of our second car in the other events at Salzburgring and Franciacorta.”

While this may be Okyay’s ETCC debut, the 40-year-old has competed in the WTCC, making his debut in 2006 at Istanbul. The 2007 Turkish Touring Car Champion then competed in a full season with his current team in 2008, coming sixth in the Independents Trophy.

Okyay is one of just three drivers due to drive a BMW 320si E90 at the opening round of the ETCC. Overall there are currently just 12 S2000 entries for the opening round of the European series, a disappointing beginning for the expanded championship.

The hope is, that it is not just Biter who joins the ETCC in time for Round Two in Austria.