Qualifying fastest – third and second place podium finishes.

WIX Racing driver and British Touring Car Championship star Rob Austin had his most successful weekend of the season at the latest round of the championship which was held last weekend at the Knockhill circuit in Fyfe. Rob was fastest in qualifying on the Saturday which gave his WIX Racing Audi A4 the coveted pole position for the first of the three races of the day. Rob qualifying for his first ever pole position in the BTCC was a huge achievement for both himself and the team. It put Rob ahead of the likes of well-known championship winning drivers Gordon Shedden, Jason Plato and Colin Turkington, and set the tone for the racing to follow. Rob dedicated his pole position to the hard work of his team, and everyone involved in supporting him through what has been a challenging season so far.

Rob got off to a fantastic start in the first race as the team opted to run the super soft compound tyres in race one which gives rear wheel cars like the WIX Audi a real advantage off the start line. Rob pushed hard only to be overtaken by Colin Turkington and Gorden Shedden as the soft tyres began to wear, steadily taking pace and traction away. Rob had 2010 champion Jason Plato breathing down his neck for the remainder of the race but managed to keep third place for the all-important podium finish.

In race two, starting from third and back on the standard race tyre, Rob got off to a flying start. Sherman demonstrated his pace as Rob managed to squeeze past Gordon Shedden for second place as both drivers sped towards the first corner. The car responded well throughout the race as it maintained pace, while most of the action was behind as the minor places were hotly contested. Rob drove a great race as gaps developed between the first four places. The WIX Audi finished second which is the highest ever position and also a career best for Rob as a driver in the BTCC. This was the second podium of the day. Rob’s fans were elated as the team received hundreds of messages recognising the achievements on twitter and facebook. The day was turning into a very special one for Rob and the team who were realising the efforts of their intense work throughout the season so far.

Due to the reverse grid draw, Rob started race three from fifth place. In one of his usual blistering starts Rob managed to gain one place off the start line. The car performed well and Rob was only overtaken by Colin Turkington in his BMW in the race. Rob finished the race fifth, only to be promoted to fourth as Turkington was disqualified from the last race for exceeding the amount of boost pressure.

Rob Austin added, “We’ve had an amazing day today. The whole team were confident coming in to this weekend as we know the car would suit the circuit well. I can only thank my team for the hard work, dedication and commitment to get us to this point in the season which has given us the results today. Also our fans have been amazing all season long and I dedicate today to them.”

Moving forward, three rounds of racing remain, Rockingham, Silverstone and Brands Hatch, which are all circuits that suit the WIX Audi and confidence is high. Rob and the team now know what the car can achieve and are confident of more podium finishes before the end of the season…even a win!

Watch this space.