Thompson praises NGTC car after first outings

James Thompson performed the first public appearance of the new NGTC specification Toyota Avensis during the BTCC finale at Brands Hatch and was pleased.
“There has been a huge amount of very positive factors to come out of the three days we’ve run it on so far,” said Thompson.

Thompson is the official test driver for the NGTC prototype, a test programme that is going to continue during the winter.

“At the moment we are at point A with the car, working our way through to point Z. Full credit to TOCA – it’s the right concept and will be a great car. Mechanically, the car has run perfectly enabling us to get through the list of work we need to do with adjustments, set-up and feedback,” said Thompson.

The NGTC regulations are set to be introduced in the championship next year and will be run alongside the current S2000 regulations until 2013. The main reason for the change of regulations is to reduce costs.

“The NGTC regulations will mean a car that’s more spectacular for about half the cost. If a team is looking at coming into the BTCC then now is the time to do it as it’s an opportunity to get a head’s start with a car that is only going to keep on developing. It is surely going to lead to more teams and more drivers on the grid,” said Thompson.

Series organizer Alain Gow was more than pleased with the first public appearance of the NGTC car.

“The feedback from current and potential teams, media and the public has been absolutely fantastic. The car has a real ‘wow-factor’ and, coupled with a huge reduction in running costs, it’s a real win-win situation… so it’s no surprise that we’ve had so many positive remarks and very serious enquiries from teams who see this as their ideal opportunity to join the BTCC. Seeing the car in the flesh on track for the first time at Brands Hatch has really opened a lot of eyes,” said Gow.