Our man in the BTCC,
Aron Smith was interviewed by Chris Ashby from
BTCCcrazy last week ahead of
Team BMR's 3 day test program which kicks off today.
Here's the full interview.
Team BMR have been working hard behind-the-scenes in ensuring that they have the best possible chance of success during the 2014 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.
With Alain Menu returning to the series and Aron Smith, Jack Goff and Warren Scott – the team boasts one of the most intriguing line-ups on the grid.
BMR team owner Scott will enter the campaign having to balance the role of driving as well as running the team. With many teams having tested recently, the squad’s pair of VW Passat’s and Vauxhall Insignia’s have undergone upgrades over the winter – however next week, they are set to make their first track appearance.
Scott told BTCC Crazy: “We have pretty much finished the cars and we will be out next week for an exclusive three-day test. We haven’t been out as early as we would have liked because we wanted to make sure the cars were right.
“The cars were stripped to bare bones and have been rebuilt with redesigned front ends, aerodynamics and crash structures – somewhat starting from fresh again. All four cars will be at the test though next week with me, Aron, Alain and Jack behind the wheel.
“There is no doubt that if we can get the cars to gel with drivers – they are as good as anybody else out there. I think it may be a few rounds though before they are running at their full potential because they have to get used to the machinery but I would like to think they are challenging near the front this year.”
When it was announced in late January that Team BMR had signed former double champion Alain Menu to the series, social media went into overdrive.
Having Menu as well as highly regarded engineer Geoff Kingston, Scott believes the BMR squad have a good blend of youth and experience – although it make take time for the two to flow together.
“Everyone was pleased when we announced our line-up,” the Team BMR boss stated. “I think as the season progresses it will show. We still have a long way to go because they are new cars again but we have full confidence in our engineer Geoff Kingston that we will start off somewhere about right.
“Alain has great experience in understanding and setting up cars, put him alongside two very quick drivers in Aron and Jack for pure speed and we hope Alain’s knowledge flows through the team.”
Being at the helm of Team BMR, Scott also has to take on driving duties – this time in the Vauxhall Insignia for 2014. With a wealth of front running talent and experience around him, Scott is realistic of what he is hoping to achieve however admits he will look to learn from his team mates.
Scott explained: “For me last year, qualifying always let me down and I didn’t somewhat understand how to get the pace right on a certain lap. I have had a lot of chances to talk to Alain and Geoff on what we are going to do surrounding that.
“It is going to be a fantastic championship with so many quick drivers but my aim is to finish in the midfield by the end of year. Top 15 is realistic and even the top 20 are impressive but I believe we will be there or thereabouts.”
Having seen a whole host of liveries last season, Scott told BTCC Crazy that three of the four cars will run identical colour schemes, whilst Jack Goff will run a different livery.
All is set to be revealed at Donington Park on Tuesday 18th March for Media Day.
