The 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season has finally begun at Donington Park with a complete grid for the very first time, which will include four new Subaru Levorgs from Team BMR.
Team owner Warren Scott, who along with Jason Plato, Colin Turkington and James Cole, will be back behind the wheel after recovering from the back injury he suffered at Silverstone last year.
He explained to TouringCars.net on the official Season Launch Day (22nd March), that the all-new car will be testing on Wednesday (23rd March), ahead of all four cars hitting the track at the season opener at Brands Hatch (1st – 3rd April).
“We just weren’t ready to test in front of the public today, as there are a couple of technical issues that we need to sort out,” he said, stating that the development of the new car did not start until the middle of January.
“We just need to get it right before the first race. That’s where the points are gained and we should be hopefully be there and be strong.”
The Levorg is the latest car to join the BTCC grid, that has a tourer/estate configuration. This was last seen with the Honda Civic Tourer in 2014, before Matt Neal and reigning champion Gordon Shedden reverted to the new Type-R last year.
Scott believes that the new car will be “a powerful package on its own,” but admits that the team won’t be at the sharp end of the grid immediately. He also says that BMR is proud to be a part of Subaru’s efforts out on track.
“We’re extremely excited and we believe that we’ve got one of the strongest packages with the Levorg. It’s got a fantastic engine with a low centre of gravity, with a great chassis.
“It’s the right wheel length, we believe, with the shell being very aerodynamic for an estate car.
‘I think that Subaru are extremely excited about the BTCC, which is one of the best championships in the world. Definitely in the UK, but is respected around the world. It’s a perfect platform to promote their great-looking estate car.”
Scott also said the current association between both parties is a three-year agreement, which could have the potential to be extended further.
“I imagine it to be a long-running relationship. Subaru UK have been fantastic to deal with, being fully engaged with what we are trying to do, and are fully supportive.”
Despite Arón Smith’s departure from the team to new stalwarts Team BKR, which sees the Irishman team up with former Renault Sport UK Clio Cup driver Mark Howard for 2016, Scott has pledged his support for the new outfit.
“I’m very happy to see that they’re back on the grid and we will be 100 percent supportive of BKR throughout what they do. Arón and Mark will get all the support they need from us, and I think you’ll find them to be a surprise package this year.”