Photo: PSP Images

Frank Wrathall quickest in first practice at Rockingham

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Dynojet Racing driver Frank Wrathall set the fastest time in the first free practice session at the Rockingham Motor Speedway in his Next Generation Touring Car-spec Toyota Avensis ahead of the two RML Chevrolets.

Wrathall’s best time came early on in the 40 minute session, which was a lap of 1:24.608. Reigning champion Jason Plato was the closest driver to Wrathall, just 0.128s behind in his Chevrolet Cruze, with Alex MacDowall third fastest.

Wrathall’s time comes despite the rule change for the NGTC powered teams this weekend. The Dynojet Racing car is now running with 0.05 atmospheric bar less boost pressure in its X-Ctech-R built Toyota engine, as well as an additional 20kg of ballast added to its base weight. These same changes apply to Daniel Welch’s Proton and Rob Austin’s Audi A4.

All other turbocharged cars (with Super 2000 chassis) are also carrying the 20kg ballast but no changes to their boost pressure. The fastest of the cars in this category was Tom Chilton’s Arena Motorsport Ford Focus in fourth.

All 26 cars took part in the session, with championship leader Gordon Shedden setting the most laps of 23, and Lea Wood getting the least running in his Team Wood Racing Honda Integra with just eight.

Michael Caine in the third Motorbase Ford Focus ST was 15th fastest, 1.4s down on Wrathall’s time on his BTCC debut, with Tony Gilham 24th, 2.8s back on his return to the championship, now with the BMW 320si of Geoff Steel Racing.

Free Practice 2 gets underway at 12:25 BST.