Read what key personnel thought about the all-new CUPRA Leon. Quotes from our three confirmed CUPRA drivers, Managing Director Tony Gilham and Team Manager Jamie Warren below.
Tony Gilham, Managing Director: “What a special day for the team, it’s probably the biggest in our history. Pre-season is always an exhausting but equally exciting time and this year we’ve reached new heights in both. A huge credit to the team for all of their hard work so far. It’s been an incredibly tough few months with the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic trying it’s best to slow down our build program, but we are now ready to hit the track and put the new CUPRA Leon through it’s paces.
“To have the first hybrid ready BTCC car is a huge achievement for me and the team and something I am immensely proud of. To be the first puts us in a great position for the 2022 season as the BTCC races into a new era, it’s all incredibly exciting.
“Looking a bit closer to the now, we have the 2021 season to really get to grips with the new car and with a bunch of other teams changing cars but opting to run a satellite car this season is going to prove a great test, but we are up for the challenge.
“The team has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years and I’m immensely proud of everyone involved. If the new car goes as well as it looks, we will be fighting at the sharp end this season”.
Jack Goff, multiple BTCC race winner and 2021 Team HARD. driver: “Wow, just look at that. I know I’m going to be slightly biased, but I genuinely think this is the best-looking touring car I’ve seen, the guys and girls at Team HARD. have done a mega job and I can’t wait to get started.
“The results over the last two seasons haven’t reflected the hard work that Tony and the team have put in. This new project with the CUPRA Leon will provide us the platform to really stamp our authority on the BTCC as we move our way up the field. We are under no illusions it will be tough, but we are ready and more determined than ever to get the results we deserve out on track”.
Aron Taylor-Smith, multiple BTCC race winner and 2021 Team HARD. driver: “I think what impresses me the most about the new CUPRA is the attention to detail that Team HARD. have put in. Every single component on the car has been designed with performance in mind utilising some of the best engineers in the game. I have no doubt in my mind that this car will be a front runner after seeing it in person.
“From the outside you can see how this car is the perfect fit for the BTCC. The wheel base, the dimensions and even the body work are exactly what is needed for a car to be competitive in the series.
“Yes, getting to see the new Cupra was brilliant but arguably even better was having the chance to properly meet my new team. Their passion towards this new car is infectious and it’s the first time in a long time that I have felt ‘at home’ within a team. It’s shaping up to be an incredible year.
“I thought that I was already excited for the season but actually getting to see the car has taken this to a whole new level. It is, in my opinion, the best looking BTCC car on the grid and I can’t wait to get out on track as early as next week to see what it is capable of.”
Glynn Geddie, former British GT champion and 2021 Team HARD. driver: “I dipped my toe into the water at the back of the 2020 season with Team HARD. and I was amazed at the commitment levels to winning that this team has yet they are still able to keep their core values of a close nit, family orientated team. This has clearly shone through into the new car project.
“Credit to everyone who has helped develop and build the new CUPRA Leon, when I joined the team back in September it was just a thought which has very quickly turned into a reality. I can’t wait to get started with our testing programme, the car looks fast, aggressive and a contender for this season.”
Jamie Warren, Team Manager: “Big credit to Tony and the team for pulling through with this. We have spent the last couple of seasons wringing the Volkswagen CC’s neck to extract the most we could from the car unfortunately with limited success.
“Switching to the CUPRA Leon has provided the team with a breath of fresh air which has really helped kick the team into gear. The new car looks great and extreme attention to detail has gone into all elements of the build not to mention that everything on the car is brand new. We have left no stone unturned in our pursuit for performance.
“A big credit has to go to our two leading engineers, Adam Tanner and Phil Overall who have been instrumental in developing the aero and overall balance of the car. Its time hit the track and put our new challenger to the test. It’s an exciting time to be part of the team”.
