BTCC READY TO RUN TO NINE-EVENT SEASON IN 2020
Organisers put out provisional dates for a 27-race competition
Drivers and teams have welcomed a provisional schedule that has been put out by British Touring Car Championship organisers for the 2020 season.
The calendar is subject to any protocols put in place by the government and the restrictions that might continue as the lockdown to cope with the coronavirus outbreak is eased. Motorsport News understands that initial events could be held behind closed doors if that is the requirement at the time.
BTCC chief executive Alan Gow said: “It is entirely logical for us to lock in our provisional dates now, with the ability to amend some later if circumstances dictate.
“This calendar presents an extremely busy four months, with three separate back-to-back events and four events in the first five weeks alone. However, I also know that our teams and drivers will be fully up for the challenge – there is such an enormous appetite, energy, enthusiasm and passion for the BTCC that everyone will want to just roll up their sleeves and get the action underway when the time comes to go racing.”
Three-time title winner
Matt Neal, who drives for and runs the factory Honda Team Dynamics squad, welcomed the dates. “We just want to go racing, and it is great to have a plan in place. It will be pretty hectic. We are based centrally in the UK to is it not too bad for us, but it might be tough for teams with further to travel.”
Andrew Jordan, who will drive a WSR BMW 330i M Sport in the 2020 contest, said it would put pressure on teams too. “There will be no real turnaround time in the schedule for the cars. You are going to see who the professional squads are because the prep and reprep times will be extremely tight.”
Champion Colin Turkington added: “I am pleased there is now a plan we can all work towards. It’s good news.”