Ashley Sutton satisfied with Spa weekend with WRT

Ashley Sutton was happy with his race weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, with the 2017 BTCC champion finishing fourth in the second race in the WRT Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR C-ECU.

The Briton started seventh and fought his way forward, running as high as fourth before he was involved in a battle with the DG Sport Compétition Peugeot 308TCR of Aurélien Comte at Les Combes on lap seven, during which the Target Hyundai of Andreas Bäckman was able to sneak through.

Sutton crossed the line fifth, but was promoted to fourth following a post-race penalty for Peugeot driver Jimmy Clairet.

Sutton, who was supporting Volkswagen with the development of the common ECU (C-ECU) this weekend, was running with a heavily-ballasted Volkswagen in comparison to his stable-mates.

“I was pleased with that,” said Sutton to TouringCarTimes.

“We were never going to be able to keep up with the Peugeots and the Hyundais – and with us carrying that extra bit of weight, we were carrying momentum through sectors one and three, and that’s where we tried to claim a little bit back.

“Comte went side-by-side, and there was a bit of contact on his side which made us go offline and allowed Bäckman to get through, and once he got through I couldn’t keep with him.

“I was impressed with the Golf considering the weight we had to carry. We’re just collecting data this weekend, and it’s my first weekend with WRT. The team’s made me feel very welcome so I thank them for the opportunity. A bit more seat time would have been perfect, but on the whole, it was positive.”