By Tarek Ramchani
The British Touring Car Championship is at Rockingham this weekend, for round 8 of the season. After a magical meeting last time out at Knockhill, Rob Austin Racing is aiming high with their Audi A4 NGTC cars.
Rob Austin was a true hero in Scotland. A historical pole position and then two podium results with his WIX Racing backed #13 Audi A4. Bad luck hit his team-mate, Will Bratt, with the sister #14 Audi A4.
The only Audi team in the BTCC field has improved a lot in the last few races, after all the bad luck in the first half of the season. The Audi A4 NGTC, one of only a few RWD cars in the championship, is able to match the pace of the factory supported cars from Honda and MG, as well as the top independents efforts from BMW and Ford.
Rob Austin, the team owner/driver, is optimistic for the Rockingham meeting:
"I think we could be in reasonable shape again, particularly in race trim provided it stays dry. The track surface is very abrasive which should favour the rear-wheel-drive machinery, such as Sherman. I think there could be some very interesting final few laps if the RWD cars are hovering near the front after two thirds distance" (quotes sourced from BTCC Crazy).
Two free practice sessions followed by the qualifying sessions are set for tomorrow. All three races will be held on Sunday.
Photo credit: Phil Laughton Photography
