Start to BTCC Season ‘Fast and Furious’ – HiQ

The HiQ fast fit network says it expected a ‘fast and furious’ start to the British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton on April 4 – and it wasn’t disappointed. The former title sponsor, whose name is now attached to the Teams' Championship, notes that a great deal has already changed since last October’s race at Brands Hatch. However, one thing remained the same in ominous style – Fabrizio Giovanardi made a spectacular return to the grid at the 11th hour under the Uniq Racing with Triple Eight banner, and the Italian two-time winner made easy work of the Thruxton circuit, winning two out of three races. The third and final race was won by Northern Ireland’s Steven Kane, who was back behind a touring car wheel for the first time in a year.

“What a weekend,” enthused HiQ marketing manager Geraldine McGovern. “We almost forgot how exciting the action was until we heard those engines revving on Sunday morning. Already, the season is shaping up perfectly and we are enjoying a number of clicks for our Champagne Moment award, which promises to be as popular as ever.”

Airwaves BMW tops the HiQ Teams’ Championship standings, thanks in part to Kane’s race three win, which was backed up with team-mate Mat Jackson’s second place finish in the same race. “The perfect results at the end of the day to repay all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes from everybody,” said team manager Oliver Collins. “Leaving Thruxton as leader of the HiQ Teams’ Championship was beyond our initial expectations. We really kicked up a gear and showed the competition what we can achieve.”

The second race weekend takes place at Rockingham on April 24 and 25.