GR Alfa 147 - 10-Tenths Motorsport Forum

OVERSTEER · 2 Jun 2002, 18:16

The title gives what we were supposed to see at Silverstone doesn't it? well sorry to say this but this appearance of the GR Alfa 147 isn't likely to happen is it, a bit like the "second lexus" that was going to turn up all of last year, and this year along with the first car, but it hasn't happened.
I'll eat my proverbial hat if the Alfa makes an appearance this year.

cos · 2 Jun 2002, 18:38

GR have never promised anything - it's just that we wind ourselves up for a hoped appearance and then get really annoyed when it doesn't happen. We aren't 'supposed' to see anything from them remember!

Super Tourer · 2 Jun 2002, 19:06

I think Goedon Shedden mentioned Thruxton as their likely debut. FWIW I don't think they have any money, so we won't see them at all this year.

Speedworx · 2 Jun 2002, 21:22

I have a feeling that it won't appear during the season.

pink69 · 5 Jun 2002, 23:11

I think they will try and get it out this season, just to get some racing experience, like MG did last year.

Alfa Fan · 6 Jun 2002, 08:05

I think GR Motorsport will get out soon. I am not expecting them to make the trip to Ireland but i have got the feeling they will be running the Alfa Romeo 147 at Croft. I expect them to get exemption from TOCA Test rules so they can do some work when they miss the Irish rounds on June 22/23. So an early July debut at Croft looks most likely. And then a full programme next year. If TOCA fail to let GR Motorsport enter late, I don't think they will abandon the programme, they will just wait till 2003 and make a proper entry on time.

Super Tourer · 6 Jun 2002, 11:43

Not sure about GR. It seems that building and developing a BTC car is a financial task beyond privateer teams. VLR had the benefit of PUG paying for their first year, and only now are getting the 406 more onto the pace.

GR have always been a team with driver led budgets. Running a BTC prod car for an owner driver is miles away from funding, building and developing a 2 car BTC team and it can turn out to be a lot of cost for little reward (ask TMSR or JSM).

I would have thought thier best bet for 2003 was to try and acquire some Astra's or MG's and run those, not to try and develop a new car - that is still best left to fully funded works teams who can afford the considerable cost and risk involved.

GR are a good team and have always done a good job in prod cars, I wouldn't want to see them become another casualty of an over ambitious and financially taxing BTCC project.

All IMHO as ever!

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