Honda teams testing at Thruxton

The BTCC’s two Honda squads left testing at a freezing Thruxton in buoyant mood after both making steps they believe will keep them competitive in 2013.

Both Honda Racing and Pirtek Racing spent two days at the high-speed Hampshire circuit last week as they both head into the new season with titles to defend.

The works Honda team completed its first full test of the season in an unliveried machine, as it bids for a third successive BTCC crown.
Triple champion Matt Neal was behind the wheel for the test.
He told btcc.net: “We’ve looked at the whole car over the winter – the engine, aerodynamics, suspension – everything. We’re still waiting to add a new aero package, but we’ve had a new engine in my car, which both Gordon [Shedden] and I have had runs in.

“Despite winning the championship last year we were still learning so much about the car as the season progressed. With testing being quite limited too, we’re now just trying to fine tune everything and perfect the car as much as we can.

“We have a set testing programme, with different combinations of springs and dampers. The guys have obviously prepared well prior to testing by simulating some set-ups, so we can get on with making progress rather than trying things we know don’t work.

“Obviously sometimes you may end up going down a different route after trying things out on the track and that’s what this is all about. Both Gordon and I have been trying different things to be honest, but in the attempt to reach a common goal for the team. Overall it has gone well.”

For their part, 2012 independent champions Pirtek Racing will be aiming for the overall title this season, with the ever-improving Andy Jordan leading the charge.

The team visited Thruxton after another test at Brands Hatch, and is planning a two-day run at Snetterton this week.
Jordan told btcc.net: “I’m improving every year as a driver and now we’re improving the car, too. I’m young and still learning, which is important – now our aim is to target the overall title and we hope the hard work pays off.

“Last year was the first time we had a car on a level playing field as the major players. We were fairly consistent throughout but we need to win more races to challenge for the overall title and that’s the aim.

“I’m evolving as a driver and we’re evolving as a team so anyone who’s writing me out of the championship at this stage would be very silly.”
Team boss Mike Jordan believes the testing programme is also key to the team’s title aspirations.

He said: “Our cars were still being built at this stage last year, so to have everything in place and be able to prepare thoroughly for 2013 is fantastic. I am genuinely surprised not to see more teams testing here at Thruxton as it’s the only opportunity to do so, and therefore we hope the Honda teams have gained the advantage for when we come back here in May.”