Photo: PSP Images

Tom Ingram hopes to benefit from bumper support

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Tom Ingram says he hopes to benefit from bumper support from workers at the nearby Toyota factory when the BTCC heads for Donington Park this weekend.

More than 4,000 people from Toyota Manufacturing in Burnaston are set to visit the circuit to cheer Ingram on in what will be the second outing for the all-new Corolla after it debuted in the season opener at Brands Hatch.

Despite the changeable weather conditions that hit race day, Ingram came away from the opening three races of the season with three solid points finishes to his name – and came close to a podium finish in race two.

Having enjoyed a solid test at Donington before the season started, Ingram heads into the weekend in confident mood and said he felt confident about fighting towards the sharp end of the grid.

“Donington is going to end up being our adopted home circuit!” he said. “Speedworks has historically counted Oulton Park as ‘home ground’, but with our Team Toyota GB backing and 4,500 employees and their families coming to watch us from TMUK, that’s all about to change!

“It’s an unbelievable feeling to have that many people coming out to support us and it’ll be an invaluable help, I’m sure. I can’t recall anything on quite this scale before, and it’s an absolute honour and privilege for me and all the Speedworks crew that will be working away in the pit garage throughout the weekend. It does add a little ratchet of pressure, but it’s more exciting than anything else.

“We tested at Donington last month and I have to say, that was probably the best the car felt anywhere pre-season. Its layout suits the strengths of the new Corolla – the car is incredible on the brakes, which is a key attribute there, and it’s fantastically-balanced through the mid-speed corners which should similarly play into our hands.

“I think we can be in the mix. We’re light on ballast which will help in qualifying and race one, so I’m hopeful a strong result is on the cards – especially with all eyes on us and the Team Toyota GB flags flying!”