Redstone Racing will be back up to full capacity, running all three Focus ST’s as it heads to ‘the home of British Motorsport’ Silverstone for the penultimate round of 2012 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season this weekend.
Off the back of a positive weekend at Rockingham two weeks ago, which saw the new NGTC Focus pick up its first Independent race win, the Motorbase-run team is hoping to capitalise on its success and further close the gap on the Independents Championship leaders. Both Mat Jackson and Aron Smith delivered strong race results at the Northampton track, with the Mountune-powered S2000 and NGTC cars narrowly missing out on top three finishes.
The Redstone Racing squad is further boosted by the reappearance of its third Focus as driver Liam Griffin makes his return to the Championship after a short sabbatical. Griffin, who will be competing in Jackson’s former S2000 Focus, missed the last three rounds due to work and family commitments and is back behind the wheel of his #6 Focus for the final two rounds of the season.
In principle, with its super-fast long straights, Silverstone is a circuit which should suit both the Mountune-powered S2000 and NGTC Redstone cars well. Jackson has a successful history at this, his local track and the Henley-in-Arden based driver will be looking to add a maiden race win in the new NGTC to the list. Likewise, Redstone Racing team-mate Aron Smith is eager to break into the top three for a race finish and secure his first podium in the BTCC.
Steeped in glorious Motorsport history, Silverstone is set to deliver another thrilling weekend of BTCC action as Round 9 of the BTCC featuring races 25, 26 and 27 take place on Sunday 7th October. Live coverage of Sunday’s events will be shown on ITV4, itv.com and also in HD from 11.00am – 6pm; with itv.com featuring live streaming online of Saturday’s qualifying session between 3.05 and 3.45pm.
Redstone Racing Team Manager Oly Collins said:
“I’m looking forward to Silverstone; both the S2000 and NGTC Focus should go well round there. Both Aron and Mat are on the back of great performances at Rockingham so I’m positive.
“It’s also good to have Liam back who wants to finish the year on a high after a short break from racing in the BTCC so we’re hoping for a strong finish to the season at both Silverstone & Brands.”
Redstone Racing driver Mat Jackson said:
“On the back of three positive results at Rockingham and with the best qualifying performance for the New NGTC ford Focus, I’m hoping that we can now challenge for the podium in the remaining races.
“We’re still very aware that the testing never stops and Silverstone will be no different as we keep pushing the boundaries of the car as we pursue the works cars for our maiden win.
“I’m under no illusion that this weekend will be tough; the Silverstone layout always provides close racing and a strong qualifying session will be key.”
Redstone Racing driver Aron Smith said:
“I’m really looking forward to getting back in the car this weekend. Silverstone always gives great racing; the nature of the track normally makes for a train of cars battling for the lead right until the last lap.
“I think that the track should play into the strengths of our car so fingers crossed we can be at the front once again. I’m hoping our run of good form can continue and I can put on a good show for everyone at Redstone Racing.”
Redstone Racing driver Liam Griffin said:
“Having watched from the side-lines for the last 3 rounds, I have been reminded what a great Championship this is and am really looking forward to being involved once again.
“Due to various commitments I have struggled to get out in the car since Croft but did a test at Donington last week which hopefully blew away a few of the cobwebs. It rained all day but the way the weather has been lately that’s probably good practice for a race weekend!”