Aiden Moffat completed testing with Silverline Subaru BMR Racing at Donington Park last Thursday [27th October] as the youngest driver in the series’ history assesses his options for car choice ahead of next season.
Moffat, who will remain under the banner of Laser Tools Racing regardless of which NGTC model he choses to adopt for next season, has completed the previous two campaigns in a Mercedes A-Class.
He split the driving duties at the Leicestershire circuit with current BMR drivers James Cole and Warren Scott.
The Subaru Levorg GT endured a difficult start to life in the British Touring Car Championship, but with the combined efforts of BMR’s engineering powerhouse, and the expertise of double champions Jason Plato and Colin Turkington, the latter came within a respectable shout of claiming his third title on finals day at Brands Hatch earlier this month [October].
The model has been appraised by Plato since it’s inception, citing it to be a ‘game changer’ in terms of how NGTC cars are engineered, something Moffat allured to in his explanation of why it made sense to sample the machinery before committing to his plans for next year.
“It’s only right that you consider all the available opportunities and that’s what we’re doing,” he said. “We will be keeping all of our sponsors next year, which is testament to the efforts we’ve made and indeed the appeal of the series.
“The Mercedes is a great car and one we know very well, but the Subaru has already shown its potential, so we’ll see what develops after today’s session.” he explained.
The Scot also enjoyed the experience of learning the ropes in a rear-wheel drive touring car; all of his previous chariots have operated with a front-wheel drivetrain.
“I really enjoyed it,” he continued “It was my first time in a rear-wheel drive BTCC car so there was quite a lot to get my head around. I had to change my driving style a little, but we expected that, and overall I adapted extremely well to it.”
Moffat enjoyed another promising campaign this year in continued partnership with multiple race-winners Ciceley Racing, scoring two podium finishes en route to 14th in the final standings.
With his partners on board again for next season, the youngest ever driver in the history of the championship is set for a more comfortable winter break than many of his rivals, a fact he acknowledged gratefully.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time in the BTCC so far and the podium at the end of the year was just reward for everyone involved. Laser Tools Racing fully appreciates that all of our partners have committed again for next year, and this puts us in a strong position.”
No deadline has been set for a final decision on how Moffat’s package will shape up as of yet.