![Rob Huff, Toyota Gazoo Racing UK [Speedworks Motorsport], Toyota Corolla GR Sport NGTC](https://www.touringcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Rob-Huff-Toyota.jpg "Photo: Jakob Ebrey Photography")
Toyota’s Rob Huff is looking forward to returning to the scene of his maiden tin-top title triumph in 2004 at the ‘balls-out, old-school’ Thruxton circuit for this weekend’s British Touring Car Championship races.
Huff won the 2003 SEAT CUPRA Championship at the Hampshire circuit back in 2003, which propelled him into the BTCC with the marque for 2004.
That in turn led to Huff joining the international touring car scene in 2005, where he spent the next two decades plying his trade.
Returning to the BTCC in 2024, Huff has already returned to winning ways in the BTCC with victory last time out at Snetterton, heading up a historic first-ever Toyota 1-2-3. The Speedworks Motorsport-prepared Corolla has also twice been victorious at the circuit, with two wins in 2020.
Although the 44-year-old hasn’t raced on the high-speed circuit since 2004, with no changes to its configuration the Cambridgeshire-based racer is hoping to quickly get back up to speed.
“The last time I drove at Thruxton was back in 2004, so it’s been a while,” said Huff. “The thing about Thruxton, though, is that I suspect it hasn’t changed a great deal over the intervening two decades, which is one of the secrets to its enduring appeal.
“It’s just a proper balls-out, old-school style circuit whose challenge has never been diluted, and it’s somewhere I’ve always loved.
“You really need to grab the car by the scruff of the neck and wring every last drop out of it – it isn’t a place for the faint-hearted.
“The top three lockout at Snetterton was not only a fantastic reward for all the hard-working Speedworks boys and girls, but it also gave everybody inside the team a real confidence boost, which will be vital at Thruxton – and we already know the Toyota is quick around there.
“I’m looking forward to pushing the car through the fastest sections, where I believe the Corolla’s well-sorted chassis should truly come into its own.
“I still remember winning the SEAT CUPRA Championship at Thruxton 21 years ago, which is what got me into the BTCC in the first place, so I have some very happy memories of the track.
“Hopefully we can make a few more this weekend…”
Toyota Gazoo Racing UK Team Principal Christian Dick believes the team’s previous form at Thruxton coupled with its run of recent form in the BTCC means it will be a force to be reckoned with this weekend.
“We’re very much looking forward to Thruxton, and everybody in the team has a real spring in their step after Rob’s win last time out and the incredible Toyota one-two-three,” said Dick.
“Thruxton is obviously a very different proposition to Snetterton and indeed to anywhere else we go, and that makes it a tremendous challenge that I think everybody up and down the grid relishes.
“The Corolla has proved its pace there in the past with the double victory in 2020, and I would say the car is going from strength-to-strength right now, with multiple podium finishes in recent races testament to our sustained development drive and the direction we are pursuing.
“We ignored the naysayers and stuck boldly to our guns regarding tyre choice at Snetterton, which paid off richly in race three, and Rob and Andrew [Watson] are similarly not lacking in the bravery stakes, which is an absolute prerequisite for a successful weekend at Thruxton.
“The only downside to our win at Snetterton was that I unfortunately wasn’t there to see it, but I’m hoping to be back trackside this weekend so no pressure, but I’ve told the team they’ve got to do it again!”