Rob Austin hobbled by technical issues in opening practice

Rob Austin was confined to the garage during the first free practice session at Donington Park after being hobbled by an as-yet undiagnosed technical problem.

The Handy Motorsport driver only completed an out and in lap in his Toyota Avensis, meaning he was the only driver in the 31-car field not to set a time.

Austin was left frustrated by the issue on a track where he is confident both he and the Speedworks Motorsport-fettled Avensis will be a competitive proposition.

“We’re not quite sure what it is yet. It’s frustrating. No doubt we will sort it, but it’s very frustrating to lose quite possibly our only dry session before we go into the races,” said Austin to TouringCarTimes.

“It’s a real shame because I think we’ve got a good car here, as we showed on media day. I just wanted a clean run and I think we would have been up there.

“By the time I reached the end of the pitlane I knew something was wrong, and had to do a whole lap at slow speed to get back in.”

Assessing his chances at the Leicestershire circuit, Austin added: “The Audi was never suited to this place, but in the past in my career I’ve won in everything – Formula 3, GTs, – so I go well here. I just need a clean run and we will be on for some good results.”