BTCC - the British Touring Car Championship from btccinfo.co.uk

2005 Archive

Here you will find all the stories that have appeared on btccinfo.co.uk during 2005. For an archive of just the driver interviews, click the Interviews link.

Click here for the 2003 archive.

Click here for the 2004 archive.

Andy Neate: driving his Nuts off in the BTCC

The final meeting of 2005 saw a welcome return to the BTCC for Andy Neate in his Team Nuts / Daniels Motorsport Astra (left). He's hoping to launch a full campaign in 2006 and in this interview he tells us what he's been up to in his career so far, and his hopes for the future.

BTCC rounds 28, 29 and 30 at Brands Hatch
Matt Neal clinched his first ever BTCC championship at Brands Hatch as Yvan Muller failed to score in the second race of the day. Dan Eaves, Jason Plato and Rob Collard took a victory apiece, and there were plenty of thrills and spills along the way. On these pages you'll find comment from the key players, and over the next few days we'll be adding exclusive interviews - keep checking back!

Matt Neal - 2005 BTCC champion

Features and comment:
Comment from Pickford, Leggate, Smith, Turkington and more
From spinner to winner, Rob Collard looks back at Brands
Jason Plato back in the winner's circle for SEAT
Once again the bridesmaid, but Yvan Muller's not upset
Matt Neal: the People's Champion speaks
Another win for Dan Eaves' collection at Brands
'Clueless' vs 'Crazy' as Collard and Howell clash
Qualifying: comment from the leading drivers, plus full times
Matt vs Yvan for BTCC title glory

Matt Neal gets a champagne soaking

Photos:
Photos: Pick of the crop from the season finale at Brands Hatch

Brands Hatch preview:
Team Halfords drivers turn out for autographs at local store
Timetable of the weekend's action (PDF format)
Brands Hatch circuit guide

Press releases:
Honda: Neal secures his first BTCC title at Brands
Fiona Leggate: Envionmental racer Leggate ends season in style
VX: VX Racing win manufacturers' championship for 5th successive year
SEAT: SEAT top season with cracking performance at Brands
VX: Muller keeps up the pressure on Neal in BTCC title race
SEAT: Aiming for glory on final BTCC race day
VX: Celebrations on the cards as VX head to Brands
SEAT: Aiming to end the season on a high

BTCC rounds 25, 26 and 27 at Silverstone
Team Halfords virtually secured the BTCC Teams' Championship at Silverstone, and VX Racing did enough to provisionally net the Manufacturer's Championship. But it was a weekend for young guns, with Tom Chilton, Luke Hines and Gareth Howell all winning races. Relatively poor showings for title contenders Matt Neal and Yvan Muller mean that the title chase will go down to the wire at Brands Hatch. We'll be there to bring you all the news and views.

Features and news:

Chilton and the JP's celebrate at Silverstone

"We're not just going to give in," warns Ian Harrison
James Pickford picks up another podium as SEAT show real pace
Steve Neal reflects on BTCC success
Spins, wins, and everything for Tom Chilton
Matt Neal on the cusp of a championship despite Silverstone woes
Driveshaft failure almost mullers Yvan's championship chances
Mike Earle relishes another win from charging Chilton
Luke Hines' champagne moment as he inherits victory
Dynamic first BTCC win for Gareth Howell
Shaun Watson-Smith flies in to keep options open
Stat attack: the BTCC by numbers!
Milton Keynes plays host to BTCC stars and cars

Mark Proctor had a front-row start

Event photos:
Pit and paddock photos from Pete Austin Motorsport Photography
On-track photos from Pete Austin Motorsport Photography

Press releases:
Fiona Leggate: More points as Fiona homes in on podium
Honda: Gareth Howell bags maiden win for Honda
SEAT: SEAT steals the silverwear at Silverstone
VX: VX Racing provisionally crowned BTCC manufacturers' champions
SEAT: Pickford top of the pops at Silverstone

Hines inherited a race 2 win

VX: BTCC title chase remains tense after Silverstone qualifying
mkweb.co.uk: Milton Keynes - life in the fast lane
VX: 100th race win in sight for VX Racing at Silverstone
SEAT: Nothing to lose as SEAT go for National glory at Silverstone

Silverstone info:
Silverstone circuit guide
Timetable of the weekend's action (PDF format)
Silverstone competition winners

BTCC rounds 22, 23 and 24 at Knockhill
Championship contenders Yvan Muller and Matt Neal took a win apiece, but the biggest cheers were reserved for Rob Collard who took his first ever outright BTCC win in conditions so wet that they even knocked out the start lights! Read all about it right here.

Results and news:

James Pickford at the Forth Bridge toll

Round 24: Collard keeps his head to record his first outright win
Round 23: Neal evens up the score in action packed second race
Round 22: Muller mullers Neal to extend championship lead
SEAT: Leon touring car unveiled in BTCC colours

Knockhill info:
Knockhill circuit guide
Timetable of the weekend's action (PDF format)

Press releases:
WSR: Rob Collard stars for WSR in Knockhill
Honda: Neal increases lead; third car stars
Fiona Leggate: Fiona matches best ever result with more Bio-power
VX: VX Racing endure the highs and lows of Knockhill
SEAT: New Leon WTCC steals the show at SEAT BTCC Race Day
VX: Turkington takes pole for VX Racing at Knockhill
SEAT: SEAT speed towards a Scottish fling at Knockhill
VX: VX Racing car let loose on Forth Bridge
SEAT: Pickford in Forth Road Bridge toll shock!
VX: VX racing chase 100th win at Knockhill
SEAT: Drivers plot dynamic lines around SEAT curves
SEAT: SEAT support Knockhill's BTCC race weekend

First podium joy for James Pickford
Reigning SEAT Cupra champion James Pickford took his first podium of the year at Snetterton after a strong weekend which culminated with him converting a front row start into a fine second place. Click here to read his thoughts about the experience and the season so far.

Fiona Leggate targeting more BTCC success
"Girl Racer" Fiona Leggate joined the BTCC halfway through the season and immediately made an impression, both with her bright green Astra Coupe and also her feisty driving style. In this interview she tells us how she thinks the season is progressing and her hopes for the future.

Plato philosophises over weighty matters
Last year it seemed as if SEAT could barely lose a race, but in 2005 they have been struggling. Their lead driver, Jason Plato, believes he knows why but as he explains here he is getting fed up with bashing his head against a brick wall trying to tell people.

BTCC rounds 19, 20 and 21 at Snetterton
After the destruction derby of Mondello the latest three BTCC races were tame in comparison, with more mechanical failures than crashes. Tom Chilton converted his pole position into a pair of fine wins, while SEAT's Jason Plato bounced back from engine woes to take the race three victory.

Features and interviews:
Fiona Leggate targets more improvements despite tough weekend
First BTCC podium joy for James Pickford
Mark Proctor proclaims he's here to stay
Could Jenson Button make a BTCC appearance?
Jason Plato philosophises over weighty matters
Podiums aplenty but disappointment for Team Halfords

Snetterton info:
Snetterton circuit guide
Timetable of the weekend's action (PDF format)

Press releases:
Halfords: More points and more podiums for Team Halfords
WSR: Points and frustration for Rob Collard
Fiona Leggate: Gearbox woes in a trying weekend
SEAT: Double delight as SEAT scores 1-2 race win at Snetterton
VX: Podium for Muller small consolation for VX Racing
SEAT: Pickford shines despite pit light kerfuffle
VX: Muller leads VX Racing drivers with second row start
SEAT: Luke's roller-coaster journey to Snetterton
VX: VX Racing on a high as BTCC returns to the UK

BTCC rounds 16, 17 and 18 at Mondello Park
Three victories out of three for VX Racing as Yvan Muller wins the first and third races with Colin Turkington once again shining on home soil. Matt Neal retains his championship lead but not a good day for SEAT. Read all the race reports right here!

Results:
Round 18: Muller's fifth win of the year makes it 3/3 for VX
Round 17: Turkington wins a damp race on home soil
Round 16: Muller unchallenged from lights to flag

BTCC info:
Mondello Park circuit guide
Mondello's ticket warning to BTCC fans
Timetable for the weekend's action

Press releases:
Honda: Double Team Halfords podium in Ireland
fionaleggate.co.uk: Bio-ethanol powered girl racer keeps it clean at Mondello
SEAT: Little Irish luck leaves SEAT racing for glory
VX: Three out of three for VX at Mondello
SEAT: SEAT shines on a rainy day in Ireland
VX: VX and Muller reign supreme in qualifying
Biggest field of the year lines up for Halfords International race weekend
VX:: VX Racing confident in performance heading to Mondello Park

BTCC rounds 13, 14 and 15 at Croft
VX Racing threatened to dominate the proceedings as Colin Turkington and Yvan Muller took it in turns to lead a pair of Vauxhall 1-2s, but Dan Eaves celebrated his recent engagement by taking the final victory of the day.

Features and news:
Point proven as Fiona Leggate opens her BTCC account
Results and info:
Round 15: Eaves wins from pole as Team Halfords strike back
Round 14: Muller's victory heads another Vauxhall 1-2
Round 13: Turkington takes his first win of '05 with Muller 2nd
Croft circuit guide

Press releases:
Honda:: Mixed fortunes for Team Halfords at Croft
fionaleggate.co.uk:: Fifth for Fiona on Touring Car debut
SEAT:: Plato stars at Croft as SEAT hits halfway target
VX:: VX Racing return to winning ways at Croft
VX:: VX Racing dominates BTCC qualifying at Croft
SEAT:: Plato primed with second-row slot at Croft
VX:: VX Racing learns a lesson at Croft
SEAT:: Plato aims for happy homecoming at Croft
VX:: VX Racing to put on a show for the fans ahead of Croft

BTCC rounds 10, 11 and 12 at Oulton Park
Three races, three winners at Oulton Park as Jason Plato, Matt Neal and Tom Chilton each took turns to win. The racing was as close as ever, there was rain in race three, and of course there were plenty of incidents to get people talking.

Features, results and interviews:
Round 12: Chilton reigns in the rain as Neal extends championship lead
Round 11: Neal wins as Plato and Muller tangle again
Round 10: Plato takes his first win of the year
Triple Eight's Ian Harrison taking nothing for granted

Oulton Park Photos:
Qualifying photos from Motorsport Images
Race day photos from Motorsport Images

BTCC info:
Timetable for the weekend's action
Oulton Park circuit guide

Press releases:
WSR: Collard quick in the dry, spectacular in the wet
SEAT: first 2005 race victory for Jason Plato and SEAT
VX: Muller's second place little consolation in tough weekend
VX: Second row start for Gavin Smith
SEAT: Pole-man Plato in tune with his feelings
VX: VX Racing go back to school
VX: determined to win at Oulton Park
SEAT: SEAT drivers ready to make Father�s Day at Oulton Park

SEAT Sport to enter Jason Plato in Peubla
Jason Plato will drive SEAT Sport�s fourth car again in Puebla, alongside the team�s regular drivers Rydell, Gen� and Terting. Click here to read more...

Special Feature: are BTCC driving standards slipping?
Touring car racing is always physical but this year there have been concerns that while a little rubbing is acceptable, some drivers are taking things too far. We hear from some of the drivers who have been on the receiving end... but are they whiter than white themselves?

BTCC rounds 7, 8 and 9 at Brands Hatch (Indy circuit)
Matt Neal made winning the first two BTCC races look easy, but a resurgent VX Racing team were determined to get some serious points on board and sure enough Yvan Muller got back to winning ways with a victory in race three. The championship is well and truly alive, and you can read about it all right here!

Features and interviews:
Shaun Watson-Smith returns to seek BTCC race seat
Neal-y perfect weekend as Matt takes two more wins
Jason Plato steers through frustration to two podium finishes
Tom Chilton: it could have been a great weekend
HPI give Ian Curley his BTCC debut at Brands
Another dynamic weekend for Steve Neal
Crazy Frog celebrates another number 1 as VX Racing find their form
Special Feature: Are driving standards slipping? The drivers speak

BTCC Info:
Timetable for the weekend's event
Brands Hatch circuit guide

Press releases:
SEAT: Double podium for SEAT at Brands Hatch
WSR: Frustration for Rob Collard
VX: Muller brings second 2005 victory for VX
SEAT: ready to get stuck in
VX: second row start for VX at Brands Hatch
SEAT: going for Gold at Brands Hatch
VX: everything to race for at Brands Hatch

Special Feature: WTCC rounds 5 & 6 @ Silverstone
The World Touring Car Championship made its first visit to Silverstone, and all the local interest was on the four Brits. James Thompson played his part in helping Alfa Romeo dominate the first race, whist Jason Plato was a podium visitor as SEAT wrapped up race two. For Andy Priaulx and Rob Huff the weekend was less rewarding, but all agreed that the racing was spectacular!

Photos:
Photos: from Pete Austin Photography
Photos: grid and podium shots from the weekend

News and results::
Race quotes: The leading drivers and team bosses speak out
Race report: Alfa Romeo and SEAT take a victory apiece
Race 1: Tarquini heads the Alfa Romeo quartet
Race 2: Rydell and Plato claim 1-2 for SEAT
Qualifying: Alfa dominate as one second covers the top twelve
Practice: Plato leads the British charge

Information:
Timetable for the weekend's racing
Current WTCC driver standings
World Touring Car ballast rules explained
btccinfo.co.uk Silverstone circuit guide
Your guided tour of Silverstone with Andy Priaulx
Touring Car World edition 11 out now

Press releases:
Alfa Romeo: Alfa takes charge at SIlverstone
SEAT: historic 1-2 for SEAT at Silverstone
Chevrolet: Rob Huff saves half a day
Rob Huff: highest finish of the year, but race 2 frustration
SEAT: looking forward to more podiums at Silverstone
BMW: hoping for more success
Rob Huff: lap record holder hoping for a wet race
Andy Priaulx: back on home ground

Rob Huff - the world is his oyster
Rob Huff is settling into his new role at Chevrolet and refusing to let the setbacks diminish his desire to develop the car and get back to winning ways. Getting paid to race all over the world, no wonder the motto of the WTCC's sponsor is "life's good"!

Jason Plato - touring all over the world
Jason Plato joined the SEAT Sport WTCC squad at Silverstone to exchange ideas and to help with car development. In this interview he talks about the experience, and reveals how he'd love to do both series in future.

James Thompson - taking on the world
Reigning BTCC champ James Thompson is making an assault on the World Touring Car Championship, and in this interview he reveals how it felt to make the switch, how he views the two series, and much more. Click here to read the story.

BTCC rounds 4, 5 and 6 at Thruxton
Tom Chilton may have stolen all headlines on Saturday but it was Dan Eaves who made history by becoming the first driver to win all three races in one weekend, moving him into the Championship lead. There was plenty of action and controversy behind him, and you can read all about it right here.

News and features:
Three out of three for Thruxton star Dan Eaves
Steve Neal: Dan's the new king of Thruxton
Racing rivals Muller and Plato cross swords again
Matt Neal blasts his "inexperienced" rivals
Podium consolation for VX's Colin Turkington
Tom Chilton comes back with a bang...
Yellow flag signals yet more Plato / Muller controversy
James Pickford continues learning the ropes
Tom Chilton finally gets back on track

Photos:
Thruxton photos from PM Images
Qualifying photos from motorsport-images
Raceday photos from motorsport-images

Info:
Qualifying times at a glance
Winners and losers in the weighting game
Thruxton BTCC event timetable
Thruxton circuit information

Press releases:
Honda: Dan Eaves scores historic triple
WSR: round-up from Rob Collard's home track
VX: team finish tough weekend on a high
SEAT: six out of six at Thruxton
btcc.net: Eaves makes history with BTCC hat-trick
VX: the team endure a tough qualifying session
btcc.net: Tom Chilton takes his first ever pole on BTCC return
SEAT: Jason Plato grabs a front row start
VX: determined to get back on top at Thruxton
SEAT: Pickford's high speed birthday wish for Thruxton

BTCC rounds 1, 2 and 3 at Donington
Donington belonged to Team Halfords, with no less than five podium finishes including two wins for Matt Neal. Read comment from the weekend's main players below.

News and features
Colin Turkington talks about what could have been
Jason Plato weighs up his heavily disappointing weekend
Ian Harrison reflects on a tough weekend for VX Racing
Steve Neal talks about a Dynamic weekend for his team
Round 1: driver quotes from Eaves, Turkington, Collard, Proctor and more
Round 2: we hear from Muller, Pickford, Neal and many more
Round 3: comment from Neal, Eaves, Collard and Smith
Qualifying: Colin Turkington takes first pole of 2005
Practice 2: VX gain but it's still Neal quickest
Practice 1: First blood to Matt Neal

Photos
Pete Austin Photography: pictures from race day
Motorsport Images: pictures from Saturday practice

Info
Donington Park BTCC event timetable
Donington Park circuit information

Press releases
VX: victorious debut for Astra Sport Hatch
WSR: points and a podium for Collard
VX Racing: VX Racing seize pole in thrilling qualifying session
WSR: looking forward to season opener
SEAT: pushing for points at Donington
VX Racing: new car to make it's debut at Donington

Ask Ian - the Triple Eight and BETA boss answers your questions
Over the last few weeks you've been sending your questions in for Ian Harrison, and now you can read the best one's and Ian's answers as he talks about his drivers, the health of the BTCC, technical regulations and the Grand Prix support race.

BTCC launch day news and feaures
Donington Park played host to the BTCC launch day on Tuesday and btccinfo was there to bring you the exclusive photos, news and interviews below.

Photos
Launch day photos from Pete Austin
Team Dynamics launch special from Motorsport Images
Driver portraits from Motorsport Images
Launch day photos from Motorsport Images

Interviews and Features
Ben Edwards and Alan Hyde talk up the 2005 season
BTCC boss Alan Gow looks forward to 'wide open' season
Jason Plato - we're in with a good chance
Dan Eaves - my best chance yet
Gavin Smith takes the step up to VX
Yvan Muller - hungry to get his title back
Luke Hines settling in well at SEAT
Ian Curley - I just can't wait to get going!
Matt Neal - consistency is half the battle
Richard Williams - BTCC is the ultimate test
Mark Proctor - we're not here to make up the numbers
Rob Collard - I want to prove myself to the top teams
Triple Eight boss Ian Harrison on Tuesday's test

News
Provisional 2005 entry list
Provisional ITV1 coverage schedule

Press releases
SEAT Sport: we're 'ready to rumble'
btcc.net: BTCC poised for 'most open season ever'
btcc.net: ITV1 reveal expanded live TV coverage
btcc.net: BTCC reaches worldwide audience
btcc.net: Hilton Hotels and Champagne Victor continue partnership
WSR: retain and regain
VX Racing:: VX complete final pre-season test

the build-up to BTCC 2005
It's always a long wait, but the new BTCC season starts in April. We'll be bringing you all the latest news, and also you can keep up to date with the rule changes and calendar.

Team Dynamics Honda Integra

VX Racing announce Gavin Smith as 3rd BTCC driver
Dunlop announced as BTCC's new title sponsor
Your chance to quiz Triple Eight and BETA boss Ian Harrison
World Touring Car teams descend on Silverstone
More sucessful Silverstone testing for SEAT Sport
Team Dynamics test their all-new Honda Integra
More sucessful testing for VX Racing's Astra
Tech link-up puts a Fuji spy camera in every car!
MG Sport & Racing confirm 2005 DTM entry
Successful test for SEAT Sport's Luke Hines and James Pickford
First pic on the internet of the new VX Astra testing at Jamara
Track debut for VX Racing's new Astra Sport Hatch

The 2005 SEAT Sport lineup

Date switch for A1 Grand Prix to avoid Silverstone clash
Gareth Howell confident of Dynamics drive
Anthony Reid - the BTCC is still "unfinished business"
Honda Integra "almost certain" for Team Dynamics
SEAT Sport confirm Hines as part of 3 car lineup
Brands Hatch debut for A1 Grand Prix
Vauxhall to defend BTCC titles with new Astra Sport Hatch
ITV set to announce best ever live TV coverage
Luke Hines tipped for SEAT Sport drive

First photo - VX Racing's new Astra testing
Yvan Muller and Colin Turkington have recently been putting the new Astra Sport Hatch through its paces at Jamara, and btccinfo.co.uk brings you this photo courtesy of VX Racing.

VX Racing - new car, new driver, same ambition
VX Racing have an exciting year ahead with a new car and a fresh new driver, as they look to maintain their dominant form. Brand manager Stuart Harris and new signing Colin Turkington tell us about their hopes.

Luke Hines interview
SEAT Sport used the Autosport International racing car show to announce Luke Hines as their third driver, and we took the chance to quiz him about his chances. Click here to read more.

btccinfo.co.uk driver review
We've updated our driver-by-driver review of 2004 to include the Honda and PSP drivers Tom Chilton, Shaun Watson-Smith and Fariqe Hairuman. Click here to read more...

Links to earlier stories now appear in our archive section.

Links to earlier interviews and features can be found in the Interviews section.