DUO Motorsport with HMS Racing driver Rob Austin has his eyes on the podium as the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship heads to Rockingham in Northamptonshire this weekend.

The corresponding weekend last year was where the Swindon team confirmed it would be bringing the legendary Italian marque Alfa Romeo Giulietta back to the category for this season and Austin hopes to post another landmark performance in rounds 19, 20 and 21.

“Rockingham has been kind to me over the years,'' said Austin.

“Having won there twice previously I am determined to get another win on, what could potentially be, the last time the BTCC ever visits the venue. The potential is absolutely in the car, team and myself to do it and this painful run of bad fortune that has been devastating our race weekends of late is long overdue a change.

“I will be doing everything in my power to end this bad run and start rewarding our incredible sponsors, fans and team with silverware. I think the DUO Motorsport with HMS Alfa Romeo Giulietta will suit the Rockingham circuit and after feeling slightly lost with the set-up early in the season, we are now on the right track and the car is better and faster every time I get in it now.”

Team principal Simon Belcher said: “We are focused on getting the Alfa back on the podium, we must seize every opportunity between now and the end of the season. Anything less than podiums and it will be a disappointment for us as we know it is in Rob and the car.

“Some drivers are now starting to look at the championship but we are concentrating on realising our true performance, no matter what. Nothing would be better than to find our form at Rockingham where, last year, we announced we would be bringing the Alfa Romeo brand back to the BTCC.”

Opening practice was taking place this morning, followed by qualifying this afternoon.

The three races take place tomorrow at 11.35am, 2.25pm and 4.45pm, all being screened live on ITV4.