Hodgetts takes over GA's Alfa
The only Alfa Romeo 156 in the BTCC will have a new driver at Brands Hatch as promising youngster Stefan Hodgetts gets behind the wheel of GA Motorsports' ETCC-spec car. The car's previous incumbent Carl Breeze will move across to one of the team's BTCC-spec Vauxhall Astra Coupes
Hodgetts showed real promise in two outings in the team's Astra at Mondello Park and Croft before a problem between GA and its title sponsor intervened to keep him out of the car for the latest rounds at Knockhill.
Breeze has had a tough time of late with a series of reliability problems and on-track incidents in the Alfa culminating in a sizeable accident at Knockhill after a suspension wishbone broke.
Team boss Gary Ayles continues to believe in the Alfa, which in works trim is more than a match for the SEAT Toledos in the ETCC. The SEATs have won several BTCC races this year and Ayles believes his car should at least be closer to their pace.
Hodgetts - son of double BTCC Champion Chris Hodgetts - is enthusiastic about his new car, which he will drive in the each of the last three meetings of the season at Brands, Snetterton and Donington Park.
"Gary [Ayles] thinks the car has a lot of potential," said Hodgetts. "It has always topped the speed-trap figures, so I am especially looking forward to Snetterton."
The car is being rebuilt after its Knockhill shunt and will change colour from black to red before this weekend's Brands rounds.
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