Successful Start to British GT for Avon

Avon Tyres’ competitive debut in the British GT Championship is being hailed as a resounding success by teams and drivers alike at Oulton Park, Cheshire last weekend. Race winner, Chris Niarchos in his Scuderia Ecosse Ferrari 430, said: “The race was good all round…[the car] ran faultlessly and credit to Avon. The tyres were brilliant….they allowed us to push very early in the race which, historically to be fair, we’ve never been able to do that much.”

Calum Lockie, competing in a Ferrari 360 Modena for David Dove Racing echoed those views. “The Avon tyres are very consistent. You can have two or three goes at qualifying with them, which is a nice thing. Last year, the tyres [Dunlop] tended to peak and you only got one really quick lap. Whereas, the Avons give you more than one opportunity…in fact my best lap was the last one.”

After steering his Marcos Mantis to the GTC laurels in Round 1, Team Tiger driver, Chris Beighton, commented: “I think Avon have really pulled the stops out. They’ve had a big programme with all new cars to them, but have treated us all equally. It has been a great start to the season, and despite being a little bit nervous about new tyres, as you’re bound to be, it has been really good.”

The Panoz Esperante of Team LNT grabbed a brace of front row starts with former BTCC star, Luke Hines saying: “The speed you can carry with intermediates is incredible. We worked hard with Avon to get the best out of the tyres. We’re happy with the balance, happy with the tyre, happy with everything.”

Donington Park hosts rounds 3 of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship – 21 to 22 May.