Special Tuning Racing to remain in BTCC in 2012 with two SEAT Leons

John Boardman's squad announced recently that it would expand to run in the World Touring Car Championship in 2012, following a fact-finding mission at the Macau season finale, but will now continue to run in the BTCC as well.

Boardman said that the BTCC programme would again be based around the pair of turbocharged S2000-spec SEAT Leons that were driven this year by his son Tom - who claimed a win at Knockhill - and Dave Newsham.

"Last season was our first working with the 2.0 TFSI NGTC engine, and we have certainly learnt a lot working closely with our engine builder," said Boardman.

"It is never easy to hit the ground running when testing time is limited, so the development of the engine over the season has been a learning curve for both parties. Going into our second season, I am confident that the experience we have gained will enable us to deliver a front-running race car able to compete with the newer NGTC cars."

Technical director Gary Robertshaw said that he hopes to finalise the driver line-up for both the WTCC and BTCC programmes within the early stages of 2012.

"Interest in our BTCC programme has been strong due to the potential the car has to offer. The S2000 chassis will benefit from developments made available through SEAT Sport, which will enhance the already very good chassis," Robertshaw said.

"Our WTCC programme enables us to offer subsidised drives in the BTCC for next season. As is the norm the driver negotiations do take time, but we would like to firm up the line up early in the New Year."