The 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship launched at Brands Hatch on Wednesday, with reigning champion Tom Ingram setting the pace during the only official pre-season test on the Indy circuit.

Changeable weather conditions on the day interrupted some of the running, and it was a time set by Ingram in his BRISTOL STREET MOTORS with EXCELR8 Hyundai late in the morning that ultimately set the pace.

This was enough for last year's title winner to edge out three-time champion Ashley Sutton by just 0.048s as the day closed ahead of the season opener at Donington Park on 22/23 April. Sutton's new teammate Daniel Rowbottom completed the top three on his first official appearance as a NAPA Racing UK driver, ahead of Rory Butcher and Dan Cammish.

The day had commenced under glorious sunshine as the cars and stars of the BTCC completed the annual photocall, shortly before thousands of fans flocked to the famous Kent venue for the on-track action, as well as a lunchtime pitlane walkabout.

Tom Ingram said: "It has been a bit wet… very wet in fact. We did some running in the morning, which went very well, and the car has felt pretty good. Hopefully, we can keep that going into next week when we arrive at Donington Park. We have a test scheduled there tomorrow too, but we have our fingers crossed for some dry running as we haven't much of that during pre-season."

BTCC Pre-Season Test, Brands Hatch

1. Tom Ingram, BRISTOL STREET MOTORS with EXCELR8 47.928s
2. Ashley Sutton, NAPA Racing UK +0.048s 
3. Daniel Rowbottom, NAPA Racing UK +0.146s 
4. Rory Butcher, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK +0.325s 
5. Dan Cammish,  NAPA Racing UK +0.331s 
6. Jake Hill, Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport +0.632s 
7. Colin Turkington,  Team BMW +0.648s 
8. Josh Cook, One Motorsport with Starline Racing +0.838s 
9. Adam Morgan, Team BMW +0.881s 
10. George Gamble, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK +1.056s 

Click here for full timings.