In the worst kept secret in recent weeks in the BTCC, former AirAsia Clio Cup driver Chris Swanwick has landed a drive with Rob Austin Racing after successful tests for the team since his departure from the Clio Cup.

The 17 year old is due to make his debut in the Audi A4 in the final two rounds of the 2011 season at Brands Hatch GP and Silverstone.

After his initial test at Pembrey in July, Swanwick was installed as the teams Junior Driver. After today’s test session at Rockingham, Rob Austin confirmed to btcc.net that Swanwick will in fact make his debut at Brands Hatch in October.

At 17 years old, Swanwick will become the second youngest driver ever to compete in the BTCC after Tom Chilton’s debut in 2002. Besides this seasons Clio Cup, Swanwick last season completed part of the Ginetta Junior championship. Without a full season under his belt yet on the TOCA package, some may question the decision to move into the BTCC, but for driver and team, the move is equally exciting.

Speaking to btcc.net Swanwick said;  “It’s still not quite sunk in knowing I’m going to be signing-on as a driver with the likes of Plato, Neal and Jackson but at the same time I think the BTCC needs a few more younger drivers.”

“It’s the pinnacle and I hope I can become a bit of a role model and show it is possible to make the jump at a young age and be able to go wheel-to-wheel with some of the established stars.”

Team boss, and team mate Rob Austin added; “Chris was very impressive at Pembrey and has been very impressive again today in tricky conditions.”

“He’s got to within half a second of my best time which I think, for a second time in the car, is mega for a young lad. He could have a really good career ahead of him in this.”

Photo Credit: Pete Mainey (www.psmmotorsportimages.co.uk)

Richard Devine is our Renault Clio Cup correspondant for 2012. You can contact him at richard@btcccrazy.co.uk or on twitter at @ricker666.