Tom after a fast start to new season

TOM Oliphant is ready to hit the ground running and battle for race wins from the off with Team BMW as the 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship finally kicks into action this weekend at Donington Park.

Following a three-month postponement of the season due to Covid-19, the green light has been given for motorsport to restart in the UK this month and Oliphant is ready to challenge for success in his second season with Team BMW.

While the restrictions in place due to Covid-19 meant he was unable to get any track time in his BMW through the break, the 29-year-old racer was working hard from his home in Leamington Spa to ensure he’d be at his physical and mental best once the action resumed.

A welcome return to track action came earlier this month with an official two-day championship test at Snetterton. Completing a detailed programme with the West Surrey Racing team, Oliphant got some crucial running in both wet and dry conditions ahead of the new season.

A busy few months await the 2020 BTCC grid, with the revised calendar seeing nine race weekends take place between the start of August and mid-november. Once again the series takes in the UK’S best tracks.

First up is Donington Park and the British Racing Drivers’ Club member returns there with fond memories, having taken his maiden BTCC podium finish at the Leicestershire circuit last year in only his fourth race with Team BMW.

Oliphant said: “I couldn’t be more excited to get back racing again! It’s been a long wait due to Covid-19 and I know it’s been a stressful time in lockdown for a lot of the BTCC community, so I can’t wait to get out there alongside the rest of the grid and put on a show for all the fans again.

“With track time set to be limited before the season begins, the Snetterton test was really important for me to dust off the cobwebs, get behind the wheel again and work with the team on some crucial set-up and tyre work so we can hit the ground running at Donington Park.”