Will Burns impressed on a wet Snetterton circuit in his first BTCC test last week. The Ginetta GT4 SuperCup runner up tested with Team HARD, assisted throughout the day with Jake Hill, who raced for the team this season.
It was a challenging day for Burns. The car itself is very different to the Ginetta he’s been competing in this season. Add to that the weather conditions, with overnight rainfall making for a slippery circuit, conditions were far from ideal for the Weston-Super-Mare racer.
Still, Burns impressed, his first lap times not too far away from Hill.
“It was a little bit daunting to be heading out onto a wet circuit for my first run in a completely new car to me, but I was pleased with how I got to grips with the car and was able to start putting in some competitive lap times pretty quickly,” said Burns.
“I was quite surprised to be not far off Jake’s pace on my first time out, but I’m not confident that with some more seat time I could really push closer to the competitive pace. It was hugely encouraging first run in the car.”
Burns, who’s aim is to make it into the British Touring Car Championship, thanked Team HARD principal Tony Gilham for the opportunity. Gilham said the team had been watching Burns for a while, hinting that Burns’ BTCC dream is not at all impossible.
“Will was very impressive in his recent test with us,” Gilham said. “In his first ever experience in front wheel drive machinery, he was unbelievably quick out of the box. Not only was he fast, but his whole approach and attitude was very professional, and we very much look forward to working with him again in the near future.”
Overtake Motorsport understands Burns is aiming to find a seat for the 2017 season, but is still unsure which team he will be with. As always, finances and budget are key to next season.
