ParcFerme.Com

Barrow-upon-Humber racer Martyn Bell has enjoyed his first run in the Arkas Racing Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch that he will use for the 2008 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship season.

The popular privateer will switch to the Techspeed-run team for the 50th anniversary season of the BTCC, with the test at the Snetterton circuit yesterday [Tuesday 4 March] being his first taste of the ex-works Vauxhall machine he will race alongside Turkish driver Erkut Kizilirmak.

Unfortunately, cold and damp conditions at the Norfolk venue meant Martyn didn’t do as much running as planned on what was effectively a shakedown session for his Astra Sport Hatch, with his early laps in the morning being turned on wet tyres before switching to slicks shortly before lunch.

However, with the weather closing in in the afternoon, Martyn was only able to turn a handful more laps before the team elected to call it a day and prepare for the next test, which will come at the annual BTCC media day at Rockingham next Wednesday.

“I really enjoyed the day, although it was a bit cold!” Martyn said. “With the track temperature being so low, we weren’t chasing times or anything like that so it was just a case of me driving round to get used to the car and adapt to it. We didn’t bother putting new rubber on as it just wasn’t worth it, but even on old tyres and without getting them warm, it felt really well balanced and the only problem I had was that I couldn’t see out of the drivers side mirror properly!

“The team was gelling really well, which I’m really pleased about, and I’m looking forward to a solid test next week at the media day. After so long running rear-wheel drive, I just need time in the car to get used to the change to front-wheel, but we have more testing planned before the season starts at Brands Hatch and I’ll soon get used to it.”

Arkas technical director Brian Ashwood and Techspeed team chief Marvin Humphries were both happy with how the test had panned out as preparations continue for the new season.

“We have achieved a good shakedown session and systems check for both Martyn’s Astra and Martyn himself,” they said. “Although the day started wet and cold it dried sufficiently for us to use both wets and slicks but remained cold. Martyn confirmed to us that he was comfortable in the car and building confidence in his transition from rear to front wheel drive and we all look forward to further track time at media day next week.”