Round-up: New engine for Proton

"It's helped a bit," said driver David Leslie. "It's certainly better than it was, though not as good as we'd hoped." The Scot was more concerned about a handling problem, which confined him to 15th fastest time in free practice, just behind team-mate Phil Bennett.

BTCC boss Richard West has been testing a Peugeot 206 Cup rally car in readiness for an outing in it on the Rally of Wales. "The car is just fantastic, so much fun," said West after spending half a day on the Silverstone rally stage under the eye of Peugeot works driver Justin Dale. West, who was a frequent club rally competitor in the '80s, will test the car again in Wales later this week.

Edenbridge BMW BTC Production driver Norman Simon missed the free practice and qualifying sessions at Thruxton today. The young German was at Le Mans testing the Spyker C8 Double 12 R, which he is driving with Peter Kox in the 24-hour classic.

Peter Cate is driving the second Team B&Q BTC Production Honda Accord as substitute for team owner John B&Q, who has decided on medical advice to miss the race following his shunt at Oulton Park. Cate drove a Barwell-run Accord in the series during the early part of last season.

Synchro Motorsport debuted its second BTC Production Honda Civic Type-R at Thruxton. In the hands of Dave Allan, the new car was sixth quickest in the free practice sessions.