Younger Generation Samples Toyota BTCC Power

Sixteen-year-old Charlie Robertson became the youngest-ever driver to go behind the wheel of a Toyota Avensis touring car yesterday (Tuesday) when he took up his prize for winning the 2012 Ginetta Junior Championship.

Charlie tested the Speedworks Motorsport BTCC Toyota at Silverstone, along with Junior series runners-up Sennan Fielding and Niall Murray, both 17. Speedworks boss Christian Dick was impressed by the trio: “Genuinely, they blew me away. They were a credit to the Ginetta Junior Championship – each of them jumped in the Toyota and drove sensibly and within themselves and with impressive pace. We didn’t even have a single spin. Each had 20 minutes at the wheel and would, I am sure, have gone even quicker given more time.”

Added Charlie: “It was a really good experience and the car didn’t take too long to get used to. The main thing for me was the size compared to what I’ve been used to in Ginetta Junior. It’s a serious bit of kit, that’s for sure, and the run has given me a good insight into front-wheel drive and touring cars. Our focus is on single-seaters but this test has definitely shown me touring cars could be something to consider for the future.”