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New Infiniti British Touring Car team misses Donington Park test

The new Infiniti British Touring Car Championship team is not taking part in the series' official pre-season test at Donington Park because its cars are not ready

Infiniti's manufacturer effort in the BTCC was launched last year in association with the Support Our Paras charity, with Derek Palmer Jr and Richard Hawken set to drive two rear-wheel-drive Q50s.

One of the cars was pushed onto the grid at Donington for the group photograph but a parts supply problem means the team does not intend to take part in the test, which started on Tuesday afternoon.

Despite the delay, team principal Derek Palmer Sr said he was confident both cars would be on the grid for the season opener at Brands Hatch on the first weekend of April.

"We've been held up with parts supply," he told AUTOSPORT. "It's a brand new car and building it is a progression. That's the nature of the beast.

"It's been a rush, starting from an absolutely blank canvas.

"Both cars will be at Brands, we'll get the job done."

The Infiniti team comprises several former paratroopers, who have been involved in the process of building the cars.

Palmer said the programme will deliver eventually but expecting immediate results would be naive.

"It's quite a major thing for them because they are all racing virgins," he added, "but have a big enthusiasm and work ethic.

"The project has got only pluses. I think it's a big ask to get results right away, I would like it to happen but it's not going to be easy.

"When the public sees the guys pushing the two cars out at Brands Hatch and standing on the grid it's going to be huge.

"I'll be emotional about it. They make you proud to be involved."

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