Rob Austin remaining realistic about Donington chances

Rob Austin says he is keeping his feet on the ground as he prepares for his second outing in HMS Racing’s new Alfa Romeo Giulietta this weekend at Donington Park.

Austin picked up a podium finish on the car’s BTCC debut last time out at Brands Hatch to sit fourth in the early season standings ahead of the second round of the campaign at a circuit where he secured pole position twelve months ago.

Having also topped the times during the season launch test last month, many are tipping the Alfa Romeo to impress but Austin said it was important to remember that the team is still learning about the car and trying to unlock it’s potential.

There is also the small matter of carrying 48kg of success ballast as a result of his current championship position.

“Donington is a track I’ve always gone well on, I’ve won there in pretty much everything I’ve driven and last year we managed to stick the old Toyota on pole position so I’m looking forward to being back there,” he said.

“Where, normally, I would be hoping to repeat last year’s pole position and aim for race wins, I’m very aware we’ll be carrying a substantial lump of lead in a car which we still don’t fully understand. I said last time out we are only really scratching the surface when it comes to this car’s potential, and that still rings true as we head to Donington.

“My expectations are realistic. I’m hoping we can get in a solid points-scoring weekend for now and once we have opportunity to start unlocking some potential in the DUO Motorsport with HMS Alfa Romeo, we’ll be aiming for wins.”