This is probably of interest to Jane...
World Superbike racer, Aaron Slight test drove a Peugeot 406 Coupe today for the first time in preparation for rounds eleven and twelve of the BTCC at Donington Park. The Peugeot 406 Coupe ran in the livery of the newly launched Octagon Motorsports` corporate identity.
Rob Bain, Chief Executive at Octagon Motorsports commented, "We are delighted to sponsor Aaron in his debut Touring Car race. Octagon`s goal, is to ensure great entertainment value for spectators, sponsors and the media by influencing and investing in National championships to drive British Motorsports forward. We believe in investing in the championship to ensure the sport is strong and vibrant. We at Octagon Motorsports are interested in long-term viability in the sport, not short-term profit.
"Our brand of sports marketing - borne out of Octagon Worldwide`s portfolio, across a diverse range of sports and leisure activity, has already started to change the face of British motorsport in this country."
Aaron Slight commented, "Today has been very productive for both myself and Peugeot Sport; I put in 25 laps at Donington and it feels great to be finally driving the Peugeot 406 Coupe. I have now got to get used to braking later - the brakes pull up the car at half the distance of a Superbike. Bring on qualifying this Saturday!
"I`m looking forward to this weekend at Donington very much. It has taken a long time for this deal to happen so it`s a combination of excitement and relief for me as well as all the people who made the deal happen. I can`t wait to mix it with the Touring Car boys!
"After more than ten years competing in Superbikes I felt I needed a fresh challenge and changing to racing on four wheels seemed natural. I will still race bikes this year and next but will focus on racing cars long-term."
Slight, who started competing in 1979 has been a leader in World Superbikes for many years. It`s not the first time Aaron has competed on four wheels; he raced a Touring Car in 1997, ironically at Donington, where he was punted off by Muller!
Aaron will be team-mate for the weekend to regular works Peugeot 406 Coupe drivers, Dan Eaves and Steve Soper at Donington Park on July 1st `01.
