BTCC - West Surrey Racing Committed To BTCC

West Surrey Racing has this morning re-affirmed its commitment to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, hinting that it could run as many as three BMWs in 2011’s series.

Dick Bennetts’ famous squad, which won the BTCC title outright in 2009, has been a part of the grid every year since first entering in 1996 and is recognised as one of the pit lane’s ‘grandee’ teams.

An official WSR statement confirmed the team’s plans to continue with Super 2000-specification versions of BMW’s 320si model which it has used since 2007. The statement read: “WSR will run two or potentially three BMW 320si using two-litre normally aspirated engines which are currently being updated. The team expects that these updates, together with further chassis enhancements, will make the BMWs even more competitive.”

And team principal Bennetts commented: “We are really looking forward to running the BMWs in the BTCC again this year as they are a very good race car and, with the updates being done for 2011, I know we should be in with a chance. We will be aiming for regular podiums.

"Robert Collard had a lot of bad luck last year and, when we analysed the season, we should have finished a lot higher. We’ve had the most reliable cars on the grid for a few years now and will be looking to get points in the bag early on whilst some of the others may be finding their feet with the new NGTC technical regulations.”

He added: “We’re close on signing two drivers and will be announcing some new sponsors in the near future. The third seat is still up for grabs and we’re working hard on filling it. With the BTCC’s superb ITV package now broadcast in HD (High Definition) it will provide even better exposure for sponsors.”