Rob Austin hoping to challenge for podiums at Oulton Park

Rob Austin says he hopes to challenge for a podium finish as he returns to the happy hunting ground of Oulton Park this weekend, a track where he netted three top five finishes in 2014.

The BTCC ran on the International configuration of the Cheshire circuit last year, a move which favoured the rear-wheel drive machinery and allowed Austin to bag a best result of second in his Audi A4.

The cars will again return to the shorter Island layout for this year’s meeting, and while the 34-year-old admits this will favour the front-wheel drive cars, he is still hoping for another strong showing.

Austin led the final race at Oulton back in 2013, before being unceremoniously removed from that position by a forceful Jeff Smith.

Speaking to TouringCarTimes, Austin said: “From now on we’re looking for podiums. That’s two tough meetings out of the way. I had three top five finishes at Oulton last year.

“OK, the [International] layout favoured rear-wheel drive, and now it comes back more towards front wheel drive, and it’s more competitive this year.

“But I would hope to be solidly in the top 10. Whereas in the last two [meetings] I’ve considered a top 10 like a win, 10th now would be the back end of what I’d expect. I’d like to think I’ve got the potential to get on the podium at some point at Oulton.”

Austin was speaking after a stronger-than-usual Thruxton weekend which saw him secure a best result of ninth, his best performance at the Hampshire track.

Looking back on the weekend, Austin said: “After qualifying, we went proper extreme and used some springs we’d never bolted on the car before. We just had them in the cupboard. And it worked – the first race I’ve never been so happy to finish 14th, because the pace was better.

“We made another step for race two and finished P9 on genuine pace. That was brilliant, and I thought the third race would be good.

“I had a really good race with Gordon Shedden and the proper front-runners, but unfortunately after doing a lap side-by-side with him allowed the pissed off teenagers to catch up and try their crazy lunges…”