Rob Austin focused on Rockingham silverware

Rob Austin says he is focused on pushing for silverware this weekend when the BTCC returns to Rockingham for what could be the final time.

The Northamptonshire circuit doesn’t feature on the calendar for the 2019 season amidst ongoing speculation over its long-term future, with Thruxton instead hosting two rounds.

Rockingham has been a happy hunting ground for Austin in the past and was the scene of two victories during his time running his own Audi A4 in the series.

Returning this year, Austin finds himself firmly mired in a tough run of form that has seen his Alfa Romeo Giulietta firmly in the wars – preventing the 37-year-old from adding to the podium finish he secured in the season opener at Brands Hatch.

Keen to put his bad luck behind him, Austin will hope to impress at the circuit where the Alfa programme was announced last year and said he was hopeful of fighting for the podium positions.

“Rockingham has been kind to me over the years,” he said. “Having won there twice previously I am determined to get another win on, what could potentially be, the last time the BTCC ever visits the venue. The potential is absolutely in the car, team and myself to do it and this painful run of bad fortune that has been devastating our race weekends of late is long overdue a change.

“I will be doing everything in my power to end this bad run and start rewarding our incredible sponsors, fans and team with silverware. I think the DUO Motorsport with HMS Alfa Romeo Giulietta will suit the Rockingham circuit and after feeling slightly lost with the setup early in the season, we are now on the right track and the car is better and faster every time I get in it now.

“My confidence in the engineering abilities and preparation standards of the team has never been higher so I know I’m going to be given a fantastic car on the day. I’ll have to put the ill fortune we have faced over the last few rounds behind me, get on with the job and convert it in to some silverware.”