EVESHAM driver Rob Austin topped the times in the official Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship pre-season test session at Donington Park.

The all-new Alfa Romeo Giulietta made its competitive debut and Austin hit the front during the final hour in his DUO Motorsport with HMS Racing car.

Austin clocked one minute 10.074 seconds while Bidford team Power Maxed TAG Racing’s Josh Cook was sixth fastest as he made his bow in the Vauxhall Astra with team-mate Senna Proctor 12th.

The opening rounds of the championship take place at Brands Hatch this weekend.

Austin said: “There are a lot of common components in a touring car but I underestimated how different driving the Alfa Romeo would be.

“It’s a lot of work to try and figure out a new car. Trying to get the balance to match up that of the Toyota because we really had that car nailed down.

“We are certainly getting there though and we seem to be getting good lap times.

“I think we are in the ballpark but we won’t know exactly where we stand until we get to Brands Hatch qualifying. At the moment it’s positive and our tails are in the air.

“I feel like a broken record as I have been a massive fan of the Alfa Romeo since I was a kid and to finally be getting the opportunity to be representing the brand in the BTCC is a dream.”