Lea Wood gets second test with Speedworks in Portugal

Lea Wood is set to sample Speedworks Motorsport’s Toyota Avensis for a second time when he joins the team for their test at the Portimão circuit in Portugal this week.

The 28-year-old, who first drove the car at a chilly Donington Park in November, will enjoy the warmer climates of mainland Europe for his next stint behind the wheel.

The two-day test is Speedworks’ first ahead of the news BTCC season, and Wood will be flying out on Monday to run alongside Dave Newsham, who is already confirmed to race in 2013.

Wood has impressed with several giant-killing performances in his family-run team over the last three seasons, with a career-best finish of fifth at Oulton Park.

And while no deal has been inked for the new season, Wood has confirmed he is talking to Speedworks about the possibility of racing the second of their NGTC machines.

Wood said: “I had the chance to test with Speedworks last year and it went well, so it’s good to have the opportunity to go to Portugal and spend more time with them this week.

“This season, I’d really like to get into a NGTC car and have been talking to the team about possibly doing a deal, so it’s a no-brainer for me to take up the opportunity to go and spend two days behind the wheel.

“As it was very cold when we tested at Donington, I’m looking forward to seeing what the Toyota can do in better weather conditions and hopefully I can give the team some good feedback on the car that will help them for the season ahead.

“Things are tight for everyone when it comes to putting a budget together but I’d love to have the chance to race with Speedworks this season and if I am able to put together a deal to get in the car, the time I’ll be spending in the Toyota this week could prove to be vital.”

Speedworks boss Christian Dick said: “Lea is one of the drivers we are speaking to about the second car, but as ever, it is down to budget.

“However, when it comes to the test this week, we have two cars and it would have made no sense to leave one back at base and only bring Dave’s car out to Portugal; we need them both on track to maximise the time we have available to us.

“Lea has experience of racing in the BTCC, has shown that he is quick and has driven the Toyota before, so he was the perfect choice to come out and join us this week. We’re looking forward to having him onboard for a few days and we’ll see what happens beyond that.”