Tuesday 12th January
Subaru in the BTCC!
A flat-four Subaru racing car is back, but it's for track and not stages. And it's rear-wheel drive...
Well it was going to happen soon enough...
The Levorg Sports Tourer is racing in the 2016 BTCC with Team BMR, the first time Subaru has ever taken part in the series. While BMR will compete for the Manufacturers' Championship, the car does have official Subaru backing. The engine is being designed with Subaru's technical support and Subaru's UK and Ireland MD Paul Tunnicliffe said the company is "very excited" to be involved. We're guessing it won't have a CVT 'box though...Those of you who know the championship will know that BMR's drivers are former champions Jason Plato and Colin Turkington, a very talented duo who will surely get the best out of the car. Plato has said part of his agreement in joining BMR was to secure a manufacturer deal and that "iconic Subaru brand" has always been at the top of his wish list.
The Levorg entry is part of three-year programme, the focus on developing the basics of the package this year before progressing further in 2017 and 2018. Full details of the car and driver line up will be announced at the media day on March 22 at Brands.
The season itself kicks off at Brands Hatch on April 2/3, with the Levorg set to be at every round. Can a new car compete in its first season? Will there be gold wheels? And that's before anyone brings up the BRZ...