Welch Motorsport: “This year has been a complete and utter waste of time”

After what can only be described as a trying season, Welch Motorsport are glad to see the back of 2015, now turning their attention to working hard on 2016.

With a major accident at Silverstone causing signifcant damage and forcing a shell change, the team had to prepare its spare Proton Gen-2 for the season finale at Brands Hatch. As a result, the first two practice sessions at the Kent circuit were almost seen as shakedowns, with setup adjustments and mechanical issues hampering the team’s mileage in the two sessions.

Having started from the back of the grid in race one, with a lack of straight line speed hurting the Proton’s single-lap pace, Welch worked his way up to 23rd before a stone pierced the radiator, causing a lack of grip as water was deposited over his front wheels. Similar luck hit race two, as a driveshaft failure, while running in 21st, ended not only his race, but his season.

“The driveshaft failure was fixable, but not in the interval between races as we would have had to extract the engine,” said team principal John Welch. “I’m relieved that the 2015 season is over and we can put it behind us. It has been character-building and a complete and utter waste of time.

“Under the current regulations planned homologation updates can only be fitted for 2016. Our power deficiency is controlled by the TOCA Technical regulation calculations and, while we are currently slightly outside of the window, we have to operate within those limits. Through experience and by working with D.T.W Engines Ltd, our current engine builder, we have reliability and can see the way forward. We lobbied for an increase on boost and that would have been beneficial, but that was not to be.”

Attention now turns to the 2016 season, with the team looking to replace their pair of Protons with new machinery. TouringCarTimes understands the team are planning to use the Hyundai i30 next season if they continue with their Mitsubishi-based engine programme. With Proton, Hyundai and Mitsubishi all sharing engine technology this is permitted under BTCC sporting regulations.

“There are exciting plans in the pipeline,” continued Welch. “With two new cars underway. We’re definitely optimistic and excited about what lies ahead. The Protons are up for sale for an entry in other championships, where the potential can be unleashed. If anybody wants a Proton with 408bhp, get in touch!”