Slight gets first taste of Peugeot power

Slight got behind the wheel during a general test session at the Leicestershire circuit today, returning to the scene of his touring car debut in the 1997 TOCA Shoot-out, during which he crashed spectacularly. His outing is being sponsored by circuit promoters Octagon Motorsport, whose Union Jack logo now adorns the bright yellow machine.

"Today has been very productive for both myself and Peugeot Sport," said Slight. "I put in 25 laps at Donington and it feels great to be finally driving the Peugeot 406 Coupe. I have now got to get used to braking later - the brakes pull up the car at half the distance of a Superbike. Bring on qualifying this Saturday!

"I'm looking forward to this weekend at Donington very much. It has taken a long time for this deal to happen so it's a combination of excitement and relief for me as well as all the people who made the deal happen. I can't wait to mix it with the Touring Car boys."

The 35-year-old Kiwi, who has won 13 World Superbike races in his career, explained why he has decided to switch codes for five rounds of the BTCC.

"After more than ten years competing in Superbikes I felt I needed a fresh challenge and changing to racing on four wheels seemed natural," he said. "I will still race bikes this year and next but will focus on racing cars long-term."

Peugeot team boss Mick Linford said his new charge adapted to his ex-Matt Neal machine quickly and looked comfortable behind the wheel.

"He got on well, he certainly had no fear of the thing," said Linford. "One or two little things with the car didn't help, like we had quite a bit of bump steer, but he's aware we know how to get rid of that. He approached it very sensibly and, although I wouldn't say he took it steadily, he took his time to acclimatise to the car and circuit again.

"Obviously he's been around the circuit a few times, but it's a matter of learning all the new lines. On the crest under the Dunlop Bridge, for example, he's waiting for the front wheel to come up in the air! He felt very comfortable with it and seems quite happy with it."

Slight joins Steve Soper and Dan Eaves in the Vic Lee-run works Peugeot machines, which are expected to close the gap to the pacesetting Vauxhall Astras at Donington this weekend.