By Tarek Ramchani
Audi came back to the British Touring Car Championship in 2011. 13 years after the full factory effort from Audi Sport UK, with the 1996 title for Frank Biela as a highlight. This time however it was an all privateer effort, Rob Austin Racing built 2 brand new Audi A4 for the new BTCC technical rules NGTC (Next Generation Touring Car), that should replace the Super 2000 regulations in the British series.
On its debut the car struggled a lot. Being unreliable and even failed to take part of Brands Hatch's season opener. But meeting after meeting the A4 NGTC improved a lot, and sometimes it fought for top spots. Rob Austin, the team owner and driver at the same time, set a great race 3 at Rockingham round. Finishing 2nd close to the winning car. Far ahead of the top guns of the series from Honda, Chevrolet and Ford all of them being factory supported. That was the best result for the team in 2011. A great performance that lead these teams complaining about the speed of full NGTC cars. Calling to slow them down. A even with that the Audi A4 did well again at Silverstone for the finale. A strong performance in race 3, being the fastest car on track. At the final rounds, Rob Austin Racing added a 2nd Audi A4 NGTC for youngster and rookie Chris Swanwick.
Audi is back to one of the most demanding touring car series in the world, the A4 NGTC did great on its debut, the team improved a lot, so expect an even better 2012 season, as Rob Austing Racing is set to join again with a 2 cars effort, and let's hope for some support from Audi UK for them.
