Tom Barley was on track last weekend in the final round of the VW Cup at Donington Park netting two top ten finishes.

This Tom believes will stand him in good stead for his British Touring Car debut at Brands Hatch this weekend.

Speaking after the weekend’s racing, he said: “Two more top tens to end the season was very promising, in race two I was the fastest car on track for some time which is really promising, and it’s not easy to match the pace of the Siroccos at the front so I’m very happy with that.

“To have raced the weekend before my BTCC debut is perfect preparation. The VW Cup is incredibly competitive and it’s quite physical too with door to door racing. I feel great about the Brands GP BTCC rounds.”

The waiting is finally over for Tom and he is itching to get behind the wheel of the Vauxhall Insignia for Team HARD.

He added: “I can’t wait to get out again in the NGTC BTCC car and see how I fare against some of the seasoned regular drivers. Whilst I am realistic, the pace shown at tests has been very encouraging.

“For me the BTCC was always my ultimate goal. It’s not been a dream, it’s been a target. Luckily for me in 2013 I’ve been surrounded by a team who believe in me and had nurtured my potential.

“Tony Gilham and Jack Goff in particular, but it’s all the way through the Team HARD camp. I’ve really clicked with them all, and they’re as excited about TB47’s debut as I am!

“Points make prizes, as they say. If I could break the top 15 I’d be really pleased. This is BTCC though, anything can happen, and it usually does!

“The recent Brands Hatch Indy test was incredibly valuable. We’ve improved the cars setup again and taken another leap forward which I hope translates to the GP circuit.”