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New Dynamics Honda Civic Type R for 2018 BTCC makes test debut

The new Honda Civic Type R British Touring Car machine took to the track for the first time in Spain on Tuesday.

The car, which has been built by Team Dynamics, ran at the Parc Castelloli circuit, just outside Barcelona, at lunchtime.

Drivers Matt Neal, a three-time BTCC champion, and new signing Dan Cammish, will share a car for testing duties for the remainder of the week.

"This next generation Honda Civic Type R is fantastic and the guys have pulled out all the stops to get us to this point," Neal said.

"If the car goes as fast as it looks then we'll be in great shape this season."

Cammish has joined the team for 2018 in place of WTCR-bound Gordon Shedden.

"It's really exciting to see the new car in the flesh, in full racing trim and it's really something special," said Cammish.

"Sitting in the cockpit for the first time will be a really proud moment for me."

The car, designated the FK8, will race for the first time at the opening round of this year's campaign at Brands Hatch on April 8.

It is the fifth different version of the Honda that Team Dynamics has built since it became a Honda factory-supported team in 2010.

Team Dynamics team manager James Rogers said an intensive testing programme was planned ahead of its competition debut.

"It's been a massive effort by the team over the off-season to transition to the new Honda Civic Type R and to see all of those hours labour bear fruit is just a fantastic feeling," said Rogers.

"The car provides an excellent platform to work with and we're sure it'll prove a potent package when it hits the track in anger at Brands Hatch."

Dynamics is sharing the track with several other BTCC teams, including Motorbase Performance, AmD Tuning and Eurotech Racing.

Zdroj: autosport.com