BTCC 2006 News, Rumours, Entries...

[touringlegend]

It's not the first time teams have tested young drivers then left. IIRC Gareth Howell tested the Mondeo at the end of 2000, albeit Ford's decision was made by then to leave.

[Craig]

Seat are testing the same four guys they are taking to Barcelona for the 'Cupra Masters' event next weekend. This is a bonus for their performances in the Cupra series and is not a test for a place in the Seat Sport UK team which is likely to run next year - either in BTCC or WTCC. As far as I am told a decision is yet to be reached on where, and with whom, they will run next year.

[E46]

Originally Posted by Craig

Seat are testing the same four guys they are taking to Barcelona for the 'Cupra Masters' event next weekend.

Isn´t "Cupra Masters" in Turkey?

[Simon_1983]

Originally Posted by E46

Isn´t "Cupra Masters" in Turkey?

Thats what I thought and isnt it the 26th of this month?

[touringlegend]

According to the link above, it is 13th November in Barcelona.

[E46]

Originally Posted by touringlegend

According to the link above, it is 13th November in Barcelona.

That is the sixth round of Spanish Seat Leon Cup. I didn´t know changes.

[Simon_1983]

The top four drivers in this year’s SEAT Cupra Championship will each win a test drive in a SEAT touring car, be invited to represent the UK in the SEAT Leon European Masters Race in Turkey on November 26th and win their team a share of £190,000 in prize money. It’s unlikely the current top four positions will alter, which means Boardman and Jackson will be joined by Tom Ferrier (Darwin/Team Parker Racing Leon Cupra R) and Carl Breeze (Blue Chip Group/Barwell Motorsport Leon Cupra R) as the Brit-pack go head-to-head against the top four SEAT Cupra Championship drivers from Spain, Germany and Turkey at the Otodrom Circuit on the outskirts of Istanbul.

Taken from

http://www.seatsportuk.co.uk/SCC/200...ews.asp?ID=261

[sharpy]

Sounds like the Seat Cupra masters race would be good. Any one know who could be televising the race?

Shame that Seat sport Uk have not yet decided what to do, i hope that they do stay in the BTCC next year. I think that the championship needs them.

[Craig]

Believe me, it's changed, that is direct from one of those who is competing so hopefully he knows! Was thinking of going to Turkey but can't make this weekend, sadly, though I would have cancelled my plans if it had been at Jerez or Albacete as I could get a return flight for 1p to either of those airports

[rdjones]

I have just seen a report linking Fabrizio Giovanardi with VX Racing, he has spoken to the team already about replacing Yvan Muller. There is also another story linking Tom Chilton to the team, if his sportscar plans fall through for next year, the same story says that there are questions over Colin Turkington postion within the team and that Gavin Smith looks likely to stay on for a 2nd season.

If Giovanardi, does join VXRacing I would rather see him alongside Chilton and Turkington rather than Chilton and Smith, as Smith just didn't set the world on fire for me this year.

[Craig]

Unlikely to join VX, I'd say, after he destroyed one of their cars during a recent test. Allegedly.

[Alfa Fan]

Originally Posted by Craig

Unlikely to join VX, I'd say, after he destroyed one of their cars during a recent test. Allegedly.

Doubt that would have much of an effect really. The test was for Fabrizio to try the car, not for him to prove his ability. The titles speak for themserlves. Would be a fantastic addition to the series, a real star name.

[rdjones]

Originally Posted by Craig

Unlikely to join VX, I'd say, after he destroyed one of their cars during a recent test. Allegedly.

I saw that on another forum earlier today and as Alfa Fan said it might not have any effect, remember Gareth Howell binned Dan Eaves Ingetra just before Knockhill, and still got the drive.

It is also worth pointing out that Mr Muller tested the Astra at Pembrey last week and the impression I get is that Giovanardi tested was allegedled at Pembrey so VX will have been able to get some good to see how he compared to Mr Muller.

The guy I feel a little sorry for at VX is Colin Turkington, who didn't do anything wrong this year and would be great shame if he lost his drive, but if he does than chances are he will reappear somewhere else.

[Craig]

Well I only attended three meetings but, from the little I saw, Turkington was pants. Don't know if it was him, the change to a new team, the new car, or what... but he didnt shine.

[touringlegend]

I reluctantly have to agree. Colin Turkington just didn't seem to be the driver he was previous. Perhaps it was because he went from being in the under dog team to a leading team that everyone expected wonders.

But Gavin Smith was worse. Just seems to have the backing for another year if he's staying on.

Like the sound of Giovanardi, even if he has written off a car already!

[aland]

only reason Gavin Smith has the drive is that he is paying for it. Guy is probably on a par ability wise with the Richard Marsh's of this world. Annoying thing is that there is guys like Jonathan Adam, Ed Pead, Mat Jackson, Gordon Shedden all have more ability and would turn in the better results but money talks

[redshoes]

I wonder how much is down to the change in teammate. I suspect Reid was much more of a mentor and more willing to share info than Muller.

It's a shame because I do think Turkington is a good driver but somehow he just didn't seem to gel with the car.

[rdjones]

Originally Posted by redshoes

I wonder how much is down to the change in teammate. I suspect Reid was much more of a mentor and more willing to share info than Muller.

It's a shame because I do think Turkington is a good driver but somehow he just didn't seem to gel with the car.

I have good authority that Reidy did help Colin a lot while they where both at WSR.

I'm a big fan of Colin, I think he has a very big future ahead of him, but I get the impression he was under a lot of pressure at VX to perform. I think if they where to give him a 2nd year then he would do a lot better.

[davyboy]

Originally Posted by rdjones

I have good authority that Reidy did help Colin a lot while they where both at WSR.

I'm a big fan of Colin, I think he has a very big future ahead of him, but I get the impression he was under a lot of pressure at VX to perform. I think if they where to give him a 2nd year then he would do a lot better.

Yvan Muller is possibly one of the worst people to have as a team mate. That's been borne out by the events of the last few years with contretemps with Thompson, Plato etc... The thing is, those guys have been established works drivers for a long time with proven reputations and could deal with him. This is in essence Colin's first time in a works team and what's more, VXR last year was completely built around Muller [like Ferrari was built around Schumacher]. It was a real snake pit... night and day difference to his time with Reidy in WSR.

Colin's an excellent driver and a really great guy with a big future ahead of him. Just look at what he's done in years past in weaker cars. Hopefully he gets a decent drive in 2006 that allows him to show what he can really do.

[BootsOntheSide]

True davy, Muller seems to clash (on and off track) with everyone he races with. When Vauxhall were dominating the series this wasn't a problem for the team or the championship, but it really hampered Colin last year. Although he was unspectacular, he did show signs that he can get it right in 2006, whereas Gavin Smith never did. Considering that Colin did bring some money to the team, it's a shame they insisted on a pay-driver for the 3rd car. No excuses for Colin if thigns go wrong next year though.

[davyboy]

I agree, Gavin Smith didn't do anything at all. He is very well heeled though and that's the reason why he's there. Its very strange that Vauxhall need to run pay drivers in a works team. I don't believe that's always been the case.

[BootsOntheSide]

Vauxhall fund 2 cars themselves, and any others have to be funded by an outside source - Egg funded a 2-car satellite team in 2001-2002, and since then the third car has gone to a moneyed driver.

[FIRE]

According Italiaracing.net James Thompson and Yvan Muller will drive for SEAT in WTCC: http://tentenths.com/forum/showthrea...26#post1459026

[Hazard]

Originally Posted by FIRE

According Italiaracing.net James Thompson and Yvan Muller will drive for SEAT in WTCC: http://tentenths.com/forum/showthrea...26#post1459026

(Please keep the WTCC discussion in the above thread so we don't get confused)

So, no Muller for VXR next year, nor Thompson! Vauxhall will have to land Giovanardi now or they're severely hit for next season!

[davyboy]

... or potentially look to attract fresh blood in the form of a seasoned single seater like Nicolas Minassian or Robbie Kerr who are stellar single seater drivers who's careers have drifted a little. I know, I know, both are doing well in Sportscars and A1 at the moment, but its the principle/idea, I'm trying to get across.