Subaru’s BMR Levorg Racing team made progress and learned lessons during the second race of the BTCC season. Why did one car burst into flames?
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It was a fiery weekend at Donington Park for the Subaru BMR Levorg Racing team. The team says they made progress and learned lessons during the second race of the BTCC season. Colin Turkington had a top-ten result finishing in 10th place in the new Subaru Levorg. James Cole’s Subaru Levorg suffered major damage after the sports tourer caught fire.
Cole’s Subaru Levorg bursts into flames
Cole’s Subaru Levorg came down the starting straight with flames pouring out from under the hood. Cole pulled the burning car over at the pit exit and made a quick exit. James’ Subaru Levorg caught fire after one of the fuel ancillary systems failed. The driver escaped without injury with the assistance of the marshals and fire crew, but the car sustained a great deal of damage putting an end to his weekend. Cole said, “I’m thankful to walk away with just a few singed hairs after a scary race one.”
Colin Turkington had much better results and took a top-10 finish in the new Subaru Levorg at Donington. He was the quickest driver of the four Subaru Levorgs finishing in 10th position and scoring points for the team. Jason Plato finished just out of the point scoring in 17th place.
Looking for the right set-up
With the new Subaru Levorgs having had little track time so far, and not much time between the first two races, Silverline Subaru BMR Racing is using each session to learn about the cars and make improvements. The team is trying to find the right set up to ensure they move forward “to produce the best package possible.”
Turkington was pleased with the results having limited time to get ready for the second race. “Having only completed a shakedown run with the cars since the last event, I was happy to once again qualify just outside the top 10. I enjoyed a typical BTCC battle in Race 1 and it was pleasing to bring the car home in 10th position and score a few more championship points. An early puncture ruined any chances of advancing in Race 2 but again in Race 3 I was able to show the strengths of the car and progress through the field.”
The team has over two weeks now to get the cars ready for the the third race. Rounds 7, 8 and 9 of the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship will take place at Thruxton in Hampshire May 7-8. Listen to James Cole describe the fiery ordeal.
Source: Silverline Subaru BMR Racing
Image source: Silverline Subaru BMR Racing
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