Motorbase Performance are hoping to bounce back from a disappointing season opener at Brands Hatch, where they struggled to convert the outright pace of their new-for-2018 Ford Focus RS into solid results.
2016 BTCC runner-up Sam Tordoff managed to qualify second on the grid for race one, but lit up the front tyres at the start and lost positions, eventually finishing outside of the points.
The returning Tom Chilton had a strong showing in race one, finishing fifth, but struggled throughout the rest of the day.
With clear potential in the new Focus RS, Team Manager Oly Collins is expecting more this weekend at Donington Park.
“Brands Hatch proved to be a bit of a topsy-turvy weekend throughout the grid,” said Collins.
“Our performance was strong, but the results didn’t come our way. The weather played a big part in that but our qualifying performance shows the outright pace of the new RS.
“Having all the cars in the top 14 and less than two tenths off the front row, we know we are very much in the ball park and that gives us confidence going into this weekend.”
Motorbase have enjoyed excellent results at the Leicestershire circuit in recent years, scoring wins in 2011, 2012 and 2016.
Collins believes that Donington Park should favour the trio of Fords more than the tight 1.2 mile Brands Hatch Indy layout.
“On paper, Donington should suit the RS better than the Brands Indy circuit,” he added.
“It’s a little faster and the aero and chassis improvements that we’ve made to the Focus should make a big difference there.
“We went well at the media day test last month and it’s been a happy hunting ground for us in the past, so we’re aiming to continue that trend this weekend and hopefully bag ourselves some new silverware to take home on Sunday night!”