As the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) charges towards the end of the season, the series returns to Silverstone’s National layout for the penultimate three rounds of the championship. As was the case at Donington Park last time out, increased freedom in the Goodyear tyre allocations will add to the excitement as the season draws to a close.
Goodyear is set to inject an additional layer of strategy to the event by offering teams a selection of both soft and medium slick tyre compounds, along with the flexibility to select three sets of carryover tyres for use in free practice and qualifying. These can be carried over from any previous event, so teams will choose the tyres in the best condition to optimise performance across the race weekend.
The fast, flowing 1.6-mile National layout will take drivers through some of Silverstone’s most iconic and challenging corners, as they battle for crucial championship points in the penultimate weekend of the season. Getting a good result at Silverstone will put the drivers in good stead for the three remaining races at Brands Hatch, where the 2024 championship will be decided.
Current championship leader Jake Hill of Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport has enjoyed victory at each of his last three visits to Silverstone, and will be determined to maintain his winning streak to preserve his lead at the top of the table. Hill currently leads Bristol Street Motors driver Tom Ingram in the championship standings by only nine points, so maximising points in all three races will be crucial for him to extend his advantage over Ingram.
Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC Event Leader, previews the weekend: “Silverstone has played host to some memorable touring car battles in recent years. This year, the introduction of a free choice of carryover tyres during practice and qualifying adds a new layer of excitement and strategic depth. It has forced teams to be more tactical in their tyre management throughout the season.
“Close collaboration with Goodyear’s tyre engineers will be key for teams and drivers to identify the best sessions to use their additional tyre allocations and to gain an advantage over competitors. This weekend’s action promises excitement, and every point will be crucial as the drivers battle it out as the season reaches its conclusion.”
Goodyear Wingfoot Award battle intensifying
Team BMW driver Colin Turkington currently leads the Goodyear Wingfoot Award standings, holding a 10-point advantage over the reigning champion, Ash Sutton. Turkington shot to the top of the standings after securing pole position at Knockhill and a strong second-place grid start at Donington Park GP.
The race for the Wingfoot Award remains fiercely competitive, with only 14 points separating the top three contenders. Three-time Silverstone polesitter Tom Ingram trails Ash Sutton by just four points, while Dan Cammish still has a chance to clinch the Wingfoot trophy, currently sitting on 92 points. With a maximum of 20 points available for securing pole position on Saturday, and a further 20 available to the Brands Hatch polesitter, the battle for the award remains as open as ever.
The Wingfoot Award recognises drivers for their performance in qualifying sessions throughout the racing season. Points are given based on qualifying position, with the driver accumulating the most points over the ten qualifying rounds winning the award.
Source: Tyretradenews
