The first official test session for the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship took place today at the Brands Hatch circuit in Kent, with newcomer Pirtek Racing setting the sixth fastest time in the morning session.  The team, who are running an Independent Vauxhall in the Championship, showcased the potential of the Vectra chassis and the turbo charged Next Generation Touring Car engine after an encouraging  test session.

Today was the first opportunity for the Tamworth based team to gauge themselves against fellow competitors in the 2010 BTCC field as the first and only all-cars test session took place before the opening race of the season at Thruxton in just over a week's time. The morning session took place in sunny and bright conditions, with Andrew ending the session sixth fastest overall and third quickest in the Independent Teams category, whilst working through ongoing engine issues.
Andrew (20) commented, "Although we have not got the engine working at its best, which  really cost us straight line speed, we can see we have the potential to be running right at the front."

"We are still focused on performing well at the first meeting at Thruxton, we're sure that if we have a trouble free run then we are certainly quick enough to run towards the front of the field. We are pleased with the potential pace we showed, we hope that we are through the teething problems and can show our true pace over the Easter weekend."

Pirtek Racing will return to the track for the opening round of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship for the first round of the series at the Thruxton Circuit on the 3rd/4th April. The 2010 season will see the 23 car strong field visit nine different venues across the country as they vie for Championship glory in the UK's premier racing series.