2005 Interviews and features

On this page we will be adding all the interviews and features we feature during 2005. In addition, drivers' post-race comments can be found on the summary page after each round.

For earlier interviews and features, please follow the links below.

2006 interviews | 2004 interviews | 2003 interviews | 2002 interviews

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.

From spinner to winner, Rob Collard looks back at Brands Poor Rob Collard must have believed he was going to end his season on a low after a series of incidents at Brands Hatch. Firstly “crazy” Gareth Howell knocked him into the gravel on race one, then while battling for tenth place in race two he got tagged by Fiona Leggate.

Jason Plato back in the winner's circle for SEAT Jason Plato is usually relaxed at the start of a race weekend, but at Brands Hatch he seemed even more so. “I can’t win the championship so it doesn’t really matter, does it?” he shrugged on Saturday.

Matt Neal: the peoples' champion speaks Matt Neal was taking nothing for granted in the run up to the season finale. Two wins in the first meeting at Donington had kick-started his championship charge, but Matt has been in touring cars for long enough not to allow complacency to kick in.

Another win for Dan Eaves' collection at Brands Dan Eaves had an amazing qualifying session, helped in part by a setup which was so successful that his team mate Matt Neal chose to put it on his car for the races. His pole position, the first of his career, was duly converted into his fifth race win of the year.

Ian Harrison: we're not going to just give in VX Racing haven't enjoyed their usual sucess this year. During preparations for what promises to be a thrilling climax to the 2005 BTCC season, we caught up with Ian Harrison and asked him if, all things considered, things were really so bad.

James picks off the opposition to bag another podium James Pickford scored his first BTCC podium at Snetterton in August, and delared his intention to make it the first of many....

Steve Neal reflects on BTCC success Team Halfords have had a dream year, with their bright orange Honda Integras proving to be the class of the field. As the mechanics packed up to go home we caught up with team principal Steve Neal, and asked him to refect on a remarkable season.

Spins and wins at Silverstone for Tom Chilton I’ve had it all this weekend: spins, win, everything! We’ve had a win and a third, but unfortunately I was trying to win the middle race but had that incident with Jason Plato, which was highly dangerous – going down the pitlane sideways at nearly 130mph

Mike Earle relishes another win for charging Chilton Arena Motorsport boss Mike Earle knows a thing or two about talent spotting, having worked in virtually every area of motor racing – including Formula One. So he wasn’t totally surprised that his young charger Tom Chilton managed to notch up his fourth win of the season at Silverstone, the scene of his first BTCC victory a year ago.

Luke Hines' champagne moment as he inherits victory Luke Hines had a mixed weekend for SEAT Sport, but as it included winning the second race of the day he’s pretty proud of his day’s work....

Dynamic first win for Gareth Howell In only his second race weekend of the season Gareth Howell repaid the faith which Team Halfords showed in him, by qualifying on pole position and taking the win in the final race....

Mark Proctor proclaims here's here to stay Mark Proctor suffered a frightening looking shunt at Oulton Park – yet another setback in his debut year in the BTCC. The car was back in action just one week later at Mondello, but many wondered if Mark had been affected in any way.

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 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.

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 The reigning BTCC champ 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.

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.

Jason Plato: We're in with a good chance With many people making him their title favourite, Jason Plato talks about his chances for a second title, and about his rivals and friends on and off the track.

Dan Eaves: my best chance yet Staying with Team Dynamics but at the wheel of an all-new Honda Integra, Dan Eaves reckons this could be his best ever year. But with stiff competition from team-mate Matt Neal, he's staying realistic.

Alan Gow predicts "wide open" 2005 season Series boss Alan Gow tells of his hopes for the most exciting BTCC season in modern history, and hints at his plans for the future.

Luke Hines looks forward to 2005 with SEAT After a year with VX, Luke Hines moves to a fresh challenge with SEAT Sport. We caught up with him at the pre-season test to ask how he'd been getting on with the new car and his new team.

Gavin Smith: I'll just take it as it comes Taking a step up from the SEAT Cupra Championship, Gavin Smith is a late addition to VX Racing's driver line-up. Despite limited testing, he's looking forward to 2005 and working with his new team mates.

Ian Curley: I just can't wait to get going! After a successful Mini and Clio career, Ian Curley joins the BTCC driving one of the stunning new Lexus entries from HPI Racing with Friends Reunited, and he's raring to get out on track.

Yvan Muller: looking forward to reclaiming his title Yvan Muller tells of his busy winter schedule and his hopes of reclaiming the title he lost to former team mate James Thompson.

Mark Proctor: we're not here to make up the numbers The Donington test saw a blown engine for BTCC debutant Mark Proctor, but he has enough experience from his ASCAR and rallystock days not to let any setbacks affect his season.

Matt Neal: consistency is half the battle With a brand new Honda Integra, Matt Neal is quietly confident of racking up the points this year. But will it be enough for a championship challenge?

Richard Williams looks forward to "the ultimate test" The Lexus entry looks stunning, but sadly the lack of running during the media day test gave no clues as to its pace. But Richard Williams is looking forward to getting stuck in.

Ben Edwards and Alan Hyde talk up the 2005 season ITV1 commentator Ben Edwards and pitlane reported Alan Hyde are familiar voices to BTCC fans, and at the launch day they looked back at their careers so far and forward to the new season.

Rob Collard: I want to prove myself Former Independents' champion Rob Collard finds himself at the wheel of a West Surrey Racing MG for 2005, and set some stunning times during the pre-season test at Donington.

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 ready to take his SEAT 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.

2006 interviews

2004 interviews

2003 interviews

2002 interviews