First news on 2005

[touringlegend]

That time of the year once again, not really silly season as such but there are snippets of news coming out and perhaps it'd be a good idea to shove them all in this thread.


*Team PSP are ending their time in the BTCC at the end of the season, not confirmed yet but is in this weeks Autosport. They are nearing completion of 3 years of an initial 3 year programme. What now for Hairuman and Watson-Smith. Hairuman no doubt will go back to ticket inspector or whatever he was, but I'd like to see Watson-Smith stay on in the BTCC.

*James Thompson is being "sounded out" by Alfa Romeo about joining them in the WTCC next year. It'd be bye -bye to the BTCC as he's ruled out competing in different cars on alternate weekends. He has also agreed to race at Oschersleben and Dubai in the 156. I'd say this was a pretty certain move, well what else would a racing driver race on their wedding day for...

That would leave a vacant VX seat, and who knows, Muller may follow him to another WTCC team?

[Hazard]

Maybe you answered that in one...Watson-Smith for VX Racing?

[rdjones]

The Proton story does not really suprise me to be honest, they have not really done much in there 3 years in the BTCC, if they do pull out hopefully then a private team might pick up the cars and run them.

As for Thommo and Muller to the WTCC, not sure I think I saw some where that Muller said that he wants to stay in the BTCC.

[Alfa Fan]

Originally posted by rdjones
The Proton story does not really suprise me to be honest, they have not really done much in there 3 years in the BTCC, if they do pull out hopefully then a private team might pick up the cars and run them.

As for Thommo and Muller to the WTCC, not sure I think I saw some where that Muller said that he wants to stay in the BTCC.

Im lead to believe that PSP will remain in the BTCC next year, but not with Protons, Alfa Romeos.

[touringcarnut]

Those big light blue things that hang around have always failed to impress, its a shame, but lets face it, they should be having wins after 3 years, not 10th place finishes.

I can see Thommo going, which will be a big loss to VX with the development of the Vectra.

Will WSR run the MGs again for another year?

Will Honda get their act together and commit to running the sexy best that is the new accord?

[Matt_S]

If Thommo was to go then what about Owy for the seat? He's worked with the team in the past and has his licence back.

[Kicking-back]

I understand VX will run the new Astra next year, not Vectras.

[DiscoGoober]

Edit: I didn't see the other Proton thread.

[GTRMagic]

Whispers from our side of the world suggests P.Radisich may be joining the BTCC with 888 in 2005, replacing Mr Thompson...

[touringcarnut]

Originally posted by GTRMagic
Whispers from our side of the world suggests P.Radisich may be joining the BTCC with 888 in 2005, replacing Mr Thompson...

I hope the whispers turn out to be true, it would be a welcome return!

[Hazard]

Please let that happen!!!

Bring back Paul...

[Kicking-back]

That'd be good to see.

A great BTCC name.

[speedy king]

Originally posted by Alfa Fan
Im lead to believe that PSP will remain in the BTCC next year, but not with Protons, Alfa Romeos.

Petronas Syntium pppppppprrrrrrrrALFA ROMEO dosen't really work does it........

[Hazard]

Team PSAR?

Don't know...think if it's the same people, it's looking at a redesignation. They've probably done as good a job as they can with the Proton...using an already partially developed successful car with Petronas Syntium money should be pretty good.

How about a Lotus touring car?

[touringlegend]

That does sound good, Paul drives for 888 in the Supercars doesn't he?

Maybe he'd finally get that title!

[Hazard]

Yeah, Radisich drives for 888's 'Australian' wing, but they've already confirmed Craig Lowndes will be joining 888 next season, so it's likely one of the guys will need to make way.

Max Wilson would be the likely removal...but, if Paul would want to move over to the BTCC to claim the crown for Vauxhall while it's an easy get...thing is, he might be one year too late considering how Vauxhall is going...and he'd have to be helping develop whatever new car Vauxhall decide to run.

But it's almost a safe bet that Thompson's looking at a certain Alfa WTCC drive assuming he drives well in the next few races (ETCC that is).

[flyingbricks]

Apparently from what i heard at knockhill team dynamics will be running 3 cars next season does anyone nkow anything else about this

[touringlegend]

There are 3 drivers in that team, Matt Neal, Dan Eaves and Gareth Howell. They did plan to have Howell out about this stage of the year in another Civic.

Got to take into consideration rumours of a new manufacturer entering with Team Dynamics.

[Sarah W]

From what I heard it is "hoping" to run 3 cars next year

[touringcarnut]

Teams are always hoping... the works hondas were supposed to be a 2 car team.. but that never happened.

Anything's possible... subject to sponsorship...

[N I Tram]

If all the rumours, plans and ambitions came off we'd have 40 cars on the grid. Computeach and Halfords are unlikely to stump up for a third car, nice though it'd be.

I hope we get more ETCC cars on the grid, maybe 2 more SEATS and a second Alfa (or more).

[touringcarnut]

Originally posted by N I Tram
If all the rumours, plans and ambitions came off we'd have 40 cars on the grid.

10 of those would be John B & Q and we'd have Total Motorsport with 8 Lexus.

[Kicking-back]

And TTR with a pair of MGs.

Driven by a woman driver and the scholarship winner.

[Craig]

haha! I'd rather be stuck with a smaller field of 18 or 20 thanks!

[Alfa Fan]

Originally posted by Craig
haha! I'd rather be stuck with a smaller field of 18 or 20 thanks!

Good for you, but your in the minority. Suppose your the sort of person that doesn't want Richard Marsh or John George either.