Wrathall: “This really is a shakedown for us”

Frank Wrathall’s BTCC debut is as last minute as can be, with the car setting its first laps in the second free practice session, and going on to qualify 20th for the Toyota Avensis’ first meeting.

The Preston based 24-year-old set one installation lap in the first free practice session, before completing just ten laps in the second free practice session, with problems dogging the new car.

“I had a throttle issue, and then my pit lane speed limiter was stuck on,” Wrathall told TouringCarTimes.

“It’s a massive achievement to actually get the car here for this meeting and to actually do a few laps. This really is a shakedown test for us.”

“The engine went in the car and was fired up for the first time on Thursday, that’s just how late we’ve been with this, it’s such a massive ambitious project, it was always going to be like that.”

Wrathall went on to qualify in 20th place, one place ahead of rival Toyota squad Speedworks Motorsport, and effectively the top full NGTC specification car. However, with the car’s total number of racing miles now just at 24, the reigning Ginetta G50 champion has realistic goals for the weekend:

“We’ve got no expectations of results at this stage, just getting to the end of the race would be a great feeling really.”

“Underneath all the issues that we’re having, the car feels absolutely great, which makes it all that more frustrating as I know I’ve got a fast car underneath me somewhere. I’m sure it won’t be too long before we’re getting there somewhere.”