Wrotham based Airwaves racing are gearing up for this weekend’s British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton.

With the sun expected to shine all weekend, Airwaves will be hoping it shines on them after a difficult opening two rounds of the 2013 season.

Thruxton is arguably the fastest and most challenging circuit on the BTCC calendar and teammates Mat Jackson and Aron Smith are going to have to be on top form to ensure they earn something from the weekend.

There has already been one change for the drivers to deal with in that they don’t have to use the soft tyres, so they will all be on the harder compound tyre due to the quicker nature of the circuit than the others that they compete on.

Thruxton has been kind to the Motorbase Performance team with Mat Jackson taking victories at the circuit in 2011 and 2012, in the Ford Focus S2000 that is now driven by Liam Griffin in the Jack Sears Trophy.

Giving his opinion on the tough start to the season and the optimism for the season going forward, team manager Oly Collins said: “After a pretty tough first two rounds we’re headed to Thruxton with some cautious optimism. We suffered a few issues at Donington which were out of our control but we feel sure that’s behind us now. There has been a lot of work done on set up and we now go into this weekend with increased confidence.

“This is where our season starts and we’re looking for some solid results which we can build on.”

The team also secured their first one-two at Thruxton in 2010 when they were racing BMW’s so they have the pedigree around the circuit.

Looking ahead to a circuit that he clearly enjoys Jackson said: ““Since Donington we’ve gone back to basics to try and find the pace in the car. We’re basically starting again from scratch from what we’ve learnt so far and trying a completely different set-up to move try and move forward.

“Thruxton will be pivotal for us this season; we need to get some solid points this weekend to get back in the fight for the championship and our fortunes have to change!”

His teammate Aron Smith believes that they turned a corner a few weeks ago at Donington and that Thruxton could be the start of a good run.

He said: ““Donington was a step in the right direction for us and we’ve started to get our heads around the car especially in race trim.

“I’ve always loved Thruxton; it’s the track on the calendar that I count down the days in anticipation! The track is the fastest in the UK and one of those tracks that every lap is on the edge, from what I’ve learnt at Donington our car was strong through the high speed sections which will suit Thruxton. I’m hoping that this weekend will be the start of our championship!”

Also back on track will be Liam Griffin in the Addison-Lee S2000 and after a difficult weekend at Donington he will be looking to improve on his opening weekend victories at Brands Hatch.

He said: ““Thruxton is one of my favourite circuits and the place where I have had my best ever qualifying. The races didn’t quite go to plan last year but it is somewhere that I am looking forward to going back to.

“It was a disappointing weekend last time out with technical issues denying the chance for any more silverware but we think we have found the problem so fingers crossed.

“The championship is shaping up nicely and it should be another competitive weekend.”

Qualifying will take place on Saturday for the three races on Sunday afternoon, with all three drivers looking to improve on the season so far.

Pictures supplied by PSP Images.