After the fast banking of Rockingham Motor Speedway, Team RAC (WSR) now head to the South of England for rounds 7, 8 and 9 of the 2007 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship. Thruxton will play host this weekend for the first of two visits to the Hampshire track.

With Thruxton being well known for its toughness on tyres the BMW 320si will have its regular Dunlop’s switched to a harder compound to cope with the abrasive surface and fast sweeping corners. With speeds averaging over 100mph it’s the fastest venue on the BTCC calendar and the high curbing provides an extra challenge.

The corresponding fixture last year saw the first win of the season for Team RAC driver Colin Turkington (Portadown) and a first ever touring car win at the Hampshire circuit for WSR, a memorable moment for team boss Dick Bennetts. Can history be repeated? He said: "I’d like to think that we’ll be competitive but until we finish the first free practise session it’s a bit of an unknown. It will be the first time that WSR have run a rear-wheel drive car at Thruxton so we’ll be trying a few different set-ups to find the optimum one. To get the first win under our belt would be great and I don’t think it’s that far way now."

With his BMW shedding the extra success ballast weight which it carried into the last qualifying session, Colin Turkington believes that with a lighter car he can get his title race back on track following his recent disappointment at Rockingham, despite picking up the winner of the Most Improved Independent Driver Award for improving his start position by 18 places during the three races.

A previous winner at Thruxton Colin firmly believes that a visit to the podium is a realistic target. He said: "I’m in a good position for qualifying with the extra weight coming off the car and I’d be disappointed if I’m not up the front of the grid. I just want to get onto the next race meeting now, get sorted and get back on the podium. It’s important to remain positive.

"As a circuit, I like Thruxton because it’s very fast and one where I think the BMW will perform well. It’s a circuit to really get your teeth into, and anywhere which requires extra tightening of the seat belts is going to be fun."

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After achieving his first podium of his BTCC career at Rockingham, Tom Onslow-Cole (New Malden) now has the sweet smell of success and with speeds averaging 110 mph the Clio Cup reigning Champion is relishing the challenge of Thruxton. He said: "After achieving a podium finish last time out I’d like to think that a victory is possible. It’s my aim to win this season that’s for sure and the thought is always in my mind.

"Thruxton is one of my favourite tracks. It’s the fastest circuit in the UK and you get such a buzz from driving it. It’s fast and flowing and over the years has seemed to suit my driving style. Church particularly is awesome, it’s the fastest corner probably on the BTCC calendar and I can’t wait to get there and drive the BMW through it at over 100mph with a jump on the apex. I’m really looking forward to it."

The first BTCC race takes place at 10:55hrs at Thruxton on Sunday 6th May. For further information on Thruxton and TV coverage log on to www.wsr-racing.com.