Chris Swanwick completed his first competitive session in the Rob Austin Racing NGTC Audi A4 as the cars took to the Brands Hatch GP circuit for the first free practice session of round nine in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Swanwick, who will be making his debut in the championship following his move from the Renault Clio Cup, struggled in the session finishing 28th and over 5-seconds off the pace of Matt Neal’s time but is positive following his first time in the car around the Brands Hatch GP circuit.

“It was a good start and more importantly I feel confident with the car and team,” said the 17-year old. “All the team want me to do is get used to the car and the track and all of the surroundings. On the whole I feel it went quite well and my aim is to just keep improving throughout the day.”

Although it’s the youngsters first time in the car around the GP circuit at Brands Hatch it’s not his first time he’s driven the car.

“I’ve done two tests previous to this, one being at Pembrey but with the recent testing ban I’ve not been able to get out and practice as much as everyone else,” said Swanwick.

The weather at Brands Hatch couldn’t be better with clear blue skies and glorious sunshine covering the circuit but this can be a problem for the drivers as Swanwick explains.

“It’s really hot in the car. I’m glad I had month off work to train for this weekend.”

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

James Mappin is the editor-in-chief covering the British Touring Car Championship. You can contact him at james@btcccrazy.co.uk, on twitter @BTCCCrazy or on his personal twitter account @jamesmappin.