Will Burns to make BTCC debut with Team HARD

On the back of a successful test at Snetterton last month, Will Burns has confirmed that he will make the move into the BTCC for the 2017 season having inked a deal with Team HARD.

Burns, who finished as runner-up in the Ginetta GT4 Supercup last year, is the first driver to be confirmed with Tony Gilham’s team for next season and will drive one of the three Volkswagen CCs that were announced earlier this week.

“I am absolutely delighted to be stepping up to the British Touring Car Championship,” he said. “I’ve watched the championship since I was a child, and when I started racing back in 2011 I could have never imagined I’d be on the grid.

“I’m under no illusions as to the size of the challenge ahead, the BTCC is the pinnacle of British motorsport and it’s going to be a steep learning curve for me, but I really can’t wait to get the season started at Brands Hatch in April.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of Team HARD’s exciting plans for the 2017 season. I really enjoyed my first test with them last month, they are a talented, professional team and it’s going to be great to work with them next season.

“The Volkswagen CC is a proven race-winning car in the series and I’m confident that we will have a very competitive package heading into next season. I’m looking forward to getting to grips with the new car as soon as possible.”

Team boss Gilham said he was delighted to be able to confirm Burns in one of his three cars for 2017, with talks ongoing in regards to the remaining seats that are still available.

“We have been talking to Will and his family for a few months now and have already formed a great relationship,” he said. “We share the same drive and ambition, as well as Will being an amazing up and coming talent.

“We are genuinely excited about 2017 for a number of reasons and that includes the potential that Will has shown in the last few years, as well as in his first ever taste of front wheel drive machinery at the recent Snetterton test.

“We have known the capabilities of the Passat CC for a few years now having originally introduced them to the grid in 2013, and seeing its progress and success over the years proving it as a race-winning car.

“We are very confident that we have a very competitive package for the year ahead and look forward to working with Will on and off track to continue his development and help him rise to the very top.”