Photo: PSP Images

Spring hiatus ends as BTCC returns at Oulton Park

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The British Touring Car Championship returns to action this weekend after a four-week spring break, with the undulating Oulton Park the latest venue for the drivers.

The Cheshire circuit offers a very different challenge to the unique speedbowl of Thruxton, as several heavy braking areas and acceleration zones put the emphasis on grip, traction and an ability to carry weight well.

The emphasis on weight is borne out by recent results at the track.

Since the three-race format was introduced in 2004, only Colin Turkington in 2009 has managed to win both the first and second races at Oulton. Every other winner of race one has fallen back while carrying maximum ballast.

It is a circuit which has historically suited the rear-wheel drive BMWs, with the marque taking six wins since 2007, but even more so Honda, with 11 wins in various Civics and Integras since the three-race format began.

This would have been 12, were it not for the disastrous final-lap clash between Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden in 2011.

It is Neal who leads the standings in his Honda Racing Team Civic heading into the meeting following a near-perfect Thruxton weekend, with the consistent Andrew Jordan in the Pirtek Racing Civic close behind.

Jason Plato is third for Triple Eight MG, ahead of Neal’s team-mate Shedden, the second MG of Sam Tordoff and Jordan’s team-mate Jeff Smith.

Considering the form guide and the circuit characteristics, it should be a tight battle between the Hondas and MGs, with perhaps a BMW or an Audi thrown in for good measure.

Judging by the pre-race comments from the drivers, it is a track they love.

Plato said: “Oulton Park is a circuit that rewards a chassis with good balance, and that is what we have now.

“It is also a demanding circuit for the drivers where you can overtake. It means the braver guys will get more out of it and I totally love the place. There’s always a great buzz there.”

Motorbase Performance’s Mat Jackson added: “Oulton’s a great place to race at. It’s a proper circuit which breaks the mould and I’m really looking forward to getting back out there again this weekend.”