With a return of Martin Deppers car only on the Tuesday before the race weekend, the team had some hard days & nights preparing his car for round 25, 25 & 27 of the BTCC championship.
Arriving in somewhat brand new appearance, both cars had visited the body shop for a full once over and were in mint condition ready for the race weekend ahead on Friday.
Both drivers relaxed and enthusiastic with excitement, started their weekend with mucking in a getting the garage set up and making the final adjustments on the cars.
Saturday morning and with rain in place for the afternoon the drivers set out in free practice 1 with anticipation to get as much track time as possible, when disaster hit and it was all over for Martin Depper when his engine blew on lap 2. This meant with high spirits Martin was in for a spectator post watching and supporting his team mate for the weekend. A disappointing start that what was looking to be a great progressive weekend for this driver.
Arthur in the mean time was using the best from this free practice in putting in a race distance and constantly brought in quicker and quicker laps into the 14’s. Each lap he achieved a faster time not just by tenths but by seconds or half seconds, meaning he and this challenged car, had a lot more to give.

Free Practice 2 – Arthur was on a roll, now have full confidence in his setting and car handling he was now in an opportunity just to tweak elements to the car to improve his performance. Again he was lapping up the quick times and got into a dead 14’ only 4 tenths away from the experienced Andy Neate. Each sector the team where pleased to say was going green, including his strongest sector the fast section of the track from Craner Curves he was pushing on.
Qualifying in the traditional way of weather, saw the rain set in at the start of the session, the race was on to make attempts to get as much dry laps in a possible when Craner curves saw a pool of rain forming, the track was getting damp. 10 laps in and the session was reg flagged due to a spin at Redgate by a fellow BMW driver, meaning Arthur was to pit.
But on route trying a new set up with the dampers, saw Arthur slightly struggle with the handling which made him spin. And having unfortunately selected first gear caused the gear box to blow meaning the session was over and he would start for a fight in P20.

Races 1 & 2 Getting into action with a great start in race 1, Arthur was there standing in for the team and striving for success. But in Race 2 Arthur’s brake biased not working properly saw him lock up the back wheels ending up in the gravel trap at Redgate. With slight damage to the bumper and both front wheels flat spotted the team made a decision to bring Arthur into the pits. During this time using the team’s strategy Series leader and his title rivals ended in a 5 car pile up at last chicane of pit straight causing a long SC period. Under the safety car this was great opportunity, so a quick pit stop and tyre change saw him on the back end of the grid making his way back. Until the lap after another Safety car was deployed due to an incident at Coppice, that enabled Arthur a great opportunity to work on closing the gap. It was then a race finish on a 2 lap sprint to the chequered flag, placing Arthur in P18 for race 2.
Race 3 Arthur Forster sat in that back position of 20th again had a lot to work for, determined to gain a great result going into the final round this man was on a mission. Having his best start of the day Arthur was now with the pack and pushing lap after lap. Having a great gentleman battle with the AMD golf driver Shaun Hollamby he was now up a place and on the charge for John George and the smooth operator of Dave Pinkney. Arthur ecstatic with his car set up he now had a car to drive not just to hold onto and handle. He worked consistently chasing Dave Pinkney gaining tenths on him on each lap, the laps where not enough but what a fantastic result in 14th  place and one happy driver.
Both drivers are now looking forward to the final round on the Indy Circuit of Brands Hatch….

This weekend was planned to be a challenge for Forster Motorsport and their chance to prove their paces with confident knowledge of the F1 Northampton based circuit.

With appreciation of some local support on set up, the team was hopeful this was going to be the weekend of the season. Which it was for a while. The team saw both Martin and Arthur get quicker on pace within Free Practice 1 with both hitting the 1.03’s .Free practice 2 was now targeted to get quicker. Arthur Forster now feeling assured and understanding his set up much better than before, started making impressive improvements consistently hitting the 1.02’s in FP2.

A spin from Martin though saw him suffer a hard impact from the tyre wall at Becketts, retiring him from FP2. The team worked immediately at speed for the next 1hr and 40mins to get him back out for qualifying, but agreed with the BTCC officials that for safety it was felt best to make sure time was taken to get this car back on track so qualifying was missed. Martin Depper was to start now on the back of the grid.

Arthur Forster now having identified some set up changes and had made some adjustments during qualifying, showed him much quicker than practice, when he achieved his fastest lap of the day on lap 12. He would start his Race in P18.

A long night and hard working from the team saw others show admiration that Forster Motorsport was able to get Martins car looking as new for the Sunday Race day.

Race 1 - With Martin not having near as most track time, sat apprehensive and motivated of what this race was going to entail. Lap after lap both cars mixed with fellow drivers Martin Johnson and John George, when Arthur pulled a brave manoeuvre to take place in front of George at Copse. Martin Depper closely behind on lap 16 took in front of Martin Johnson. Having now got to the last section of the race with tyres wearing and cars taking more to handle unfortunately took Arthur & Martin into finishing in P19 & P 20. Although this result both drivers enjoyed the battles and where now feeling the competitive streak.

Race 2 – Martin & Arthur took this race with great starts plummeting into the grips of the rest of this competitive field. The first corner saw carnage of avoidance when Rob Collard & Andy Neate took a hit. With every precaution the Forster Motorsport team was soon around the incident and on their way. Lap 21 saw the drivers up together in their best joint results so far in P14 & P15 when Arthur’s drive shalf broke on the last lap resulting him having to retire. Martin delighted with his result took the flag in P15.

Race 3 – And not such the start Martin would of hoped for, with P15 under his belt his aspirations were high to get into the top ten. When a stalled start from the Chevrolet car of Alex Macdowell saw Martin take extreme avoidance but it wasn’t enough, he crashed into the back of Macdowell which consequence in retirement. But luckily he escaped from this major impact unharmed.

Arthur now under Safety car, sat in the mix of the most experienced including Macdowells fellow team mate Jason Plato. The team having advised Arthur whom was behind him made caution that Jason would take a storm of a re-start. Which he did, and Arthur whilst trying to hold onto his top tenth place, and with grease on the track from the unfortunate retirement of Lea Woods, took a slide. This showed him lose power and time putting him back places whereby he achieved a result of P16.

Now the team after having a closer look at Martin Depper’s car, have identified a lot of repair work to do. This means the team will have unfortunately had to withdraw from competing at the forth coming round at Knockhill. Rest assured though this new team will be out fighting with hope to show improvement with pace and results at the remaining rounds thereafter.

This weekend at the Norfolk based circuit was another achievement for the Forster Motorsport team. Both drivers feeling positive after the test day started their weekend with laps in FP1 working towards the 1.15’s. Martin Depper with his outstanding result under his belt at Croft, set his goal to obtain a lap or place in the top ten.  Free practice 2 saw Arthurs car late for the session when the wheel nut locked on his front wheel, the team working at speed got the car out with 20 minutes to go.  These new BTCC drivers got into the 1.114’s, a great achievement close to their fellow BMW drivers.
Qualifying saw all the teams and drivers in a tyre dilemma when with 5 minutes to go, the heavens opened. The rain having not fallen heavy enough made the teams make a decision for slick tyres. 3 laps in each team include Forster Motorsport had pitted to tyre change but having set up these first class BMW car’s to dry settings made it a struggle for rear grip pushing Arthur & Martin back places into P18 & P19.
Race 1 – Sunday morning race day showed an array of sunshine to brighten up this BTCC pit lane, with spectators from all over the East the races at this circuit was not to be missed. Martin & Arthur having made slight progression in qualifying sat on the grid ready for action. An unfortunate late start saw a grid position in front of Arthur spare giving him a good run into a brillant start. With Martin not so far behind, this became the Forster motorsport race. Lap after lap Martin showed some quicker times but was not able to pass his fellow team mate. Until a spin from Arthur at Corum gave him the front position which over excited saw him follow in fashion and spin at Russell Bend, Arthur said ‘tell martin it was nice of him to wait’!! This race finished with both battling for positions in line with the AMD car of Shaun Hollamby. The pair split by the Golf saw Martin Depper in P15 & Arthur Forster in P17.

Race 2 – Having a great battle in Race 1 the Forster boys were seen alongside each other on the grid once again this year. A start of damage chaos saw cars all over the track before Riches Corner, this resulted in 3 laps under the safety car. Arthur having adjusted his settings made a heroic decision after the car handling was unbearable & dangerous to retire from Race 2. But Martin was on a storm a great start and avoidance of the carnage he placed himself up to 11 positions from 15th on the grid. The team with high excitement and enthusiasm, encouraged Martin lap after lap until lack of pace due to set up saw him take the chequered flag in 16th place.

Race 3 – Martin Depper and Arthur Forster started in P16 & P18 on the grid for the start of Race 3. Arthur reverting back to his settings was looking forward to some great racing and a good result, with Martin full of drive & ambition from his achievements in Race 2, he was a ‘man on a mission’. Martin took a flyer of a start passing his fellow BTCC drivers Alex Macdowell, Lea Woods & Shaun Hollamby, he was on the pace. Arthur ready for the off when his car jumped out of first gear giving him a false start settling into 14th place until the end of the race, where his team mate Martin had to retire after his superb start on lap 7 due to a alternator failure.

Both drivers struggled this weekend for rear grip, it was a frustrating weekend as each time the cars were sent out, new set ups were tried , which didn’t solve the problem. The drivers managed great starts but because of the lack of grip couldn’t keep pace and therefore dropped back.
The team are working hard and expect to put right for Silverstone !

Forster Motorsport prepare for the triple header event at one of the fastest race circuits on the BTCC calendar based in Norfolk. Both drivers attended the official test day on Thursday to gain some hot laps under their belt. And with both cars having weeks of preparation both drivers now feel confident and reassured these BMW’s can take them up the grid. This Norfolk circuit known for the fastest section of the circuit at the Revett Straight will allow these cars and drivers to go full steam ahead. Martin now having got onto the circuit cannot wait for these weeks to go quicker he says ‘I want to test every day until the race weekend’ being held on the 8th August, his aim is now to get into the 1.12’s alongside his fellow BTCC drivers.

Forster Motorsport go back to their roots supporting their past fellow drivers in the Mini Challenge. Arthur Forster & Martin Depper having a weekend free at their disposal have decided to cheer on & encourage the teams and championship at the modern racing circuit of Castle Combe in Wiltshire. Both Champions of the Mini Challenge, the heart of their racing experiences stood here, so they will be looking forward to watching the action on and social ably off track.

Race 1 – Martin Depper having qualified in 17 position & Arthur Forster in 18, there plan was set for the 10th round of the BTCC, and they are off with an ambitious start in for the first corner. Arthur having now obtained a position within the pack, was on the pace, but an admitting a mistake spun him at Knickerbrook which he rejoined to finish his race in 16th position. Martin was on a charge and got up to mid field, pushing each lap he made courageous manoeuvres and got in front of the integra driver John George and Clio Cup Winner Lea Woods. The next was his fellow BMW driver Andy Neate, this was one driver he wanted to discover. A prompt pass at druids got Martin the upper hand in front of Andy Neate but it was short lived. Martin took the chequered flag in 14th position. A great achievement and 1 point gained for the independents team trophy. Being Very early days in the BTCC this new team felt a sense of achievement and full of pride.

Race 2 – And a battle in the war came to mind, who didn’t have damage. Martin and Arthur now sat on the grid in their best results this year of the BTCC. The opening lap saw Rob Collard pushed from the rear and spun, with all cars ducking in all directions of avoidance the team thought Martin and Arthur were clear. But a hit from an avoiding car spun Martin in front of the rest of the field which also resulted in Arthur being held up. Martins car with slight damage carried on behind his team mate for the rest of the race gradually building their track time and fastest laps of race 2. Taking the chequered flag in 13th & 14th place.

Race 3 – A tense and unfortunate round for both of the Forster Motorsport drivers. Martin experience alternator problems on the green flag lap which developed, and although starting the race, it ended on the opening lap going into the barriers at Cascades.
Arthur Forster having another one of his recognised spectacular starts, took his position of 14th place, in front of the talented drivers; Paul O Neill, Gordon Shedden and Andrew Jordon. But the Team having made some changes to the set up, the car became alive and too hard to handle, and resulted in him having an expensive race into the barriers. Patch up repairs were done by the team after he limped back to the garages, he ended his race 3 in 15th place.

Martin Depper and Arthur Forster now having a impressive test session under their belt on Tuesday, look forward to getting on track for the next round of the BTCC at the Cheshire based Oulton Park.
Oulton Park holds its biggest event next weekend with the extraordinary  BTCC Championship and the high profile support races. This circuit is knows the BTCC will show thrilling action on track and Forster Motorsport  are ecstatic to show the great supporters their racing skills.
The circuit also has supporting the weekend, the RAF Falcons whom will perform highlights with a spectacular parachute jump to deliver the chequered flag and a patriotic flyover by a battle of Britain Memorial spitfire display.
The Team display their appreciation to the sponsors & guests whom will be on trackside watching these enthusiac drivers in action, we look forward to seeing all, including: ABRS, Callstream, and local BMW dealerships.
Both drivers had a great encounter at cracking the car settings on Tuesday. Gary Robertshaw and Chris Smout the Race Engineeers, are delighted with the drivers handling and are looking forward to them demonstrating the progression within the professional BTCC pack.
Forster Motorsport have experienced Oulton Park Circuit through the years of Motorsport, plus in the winter months made the best of getting lap familiarity, so this has developed the teams race stragery.
The BTCC Grid Walk & Autographing session will be held on Sunday 6th June from 10.35 so come along to meet our drivers and welcoming team……

Forster Motorsport will be attending the BTCC Official Test Day next Tuesday 25th May at Rockingham Circuit. Having more time to prepare and work on the cars, both drivers are ready to get their teeth into some track time and fast laps….

Martin says ‘I can’t wait to get back into the seat, and I am looking forward to increasing our pace, Arthur its time to rock!!’

A wet brands Hatch this weekend gave both Martin Depper and Arthur Forster a challenge with extreme weather conditions.
Having Martin Depper arrive in the country on Wednesday he was to debut his first race at Brands Hatch this weekend. Forster Motorsport thrilled to have the full team back, which included an excited Arthur Forster who said ‘it wasn’t the same without my buddy at Rockingham’.
This pairing having spent the last 5 years racing together, and although they appear somewhat different in race strategies with the spirit between them and support they show, their strengths energise and excel each other…..
So the first day at Brands Hatch, having the 2 free practices in the morning it was Martin’s day to gain knowledge of the handling of his BMW and to discover his race settings. But having raced at Brands Hatch Indy circuit over previous years the test was also to learn this high speed Grand Prix circuit.
Track time was at its most importance, lap after lap Martin got quicker and quicker, taking an outstanding second after second off of his times each lap. In the second free practice he was set to go the race simulation where he achieved an array of 19 fast laps.
Arthur in free practice being confident with his car set up, worked as many laps as possible to gain the most testing and handling experience in his BMW saloon car.
Qualifying was the first test to see what these new drivers could do. Having the competition of newcomer Lea Woods and the local Orpington based Shaun Hollamby the guys were looking for a clear successful position.
But making a couple of minor adjustments caused Arthur to struggle with the suspension being too hard which he qualified in a unfortunate 21st position for Race 1. Arthur still keeping positive knew qualifying was and has never been his strength so he was prepared to use his expertise in race craft.
Whilst Martin Depper soon was on a flying lap got the better of his Forster Motorsport team mate Arthur and achieved his fastest time in the 0.120’s putting him in 20th position.
So now the qualifying and day was complete Arthur and Martin could relax in preparation for Sundays races. After having a battle on her hands Team Manager Rhea Beauchamp gave into a performance from DJ Depper. Soon the music was rocking and the team atmosphere enlightening.
Sunday Morning and Brands Hatch was water logged, having watched races before the drivers knew today was going to be a cautious day. The team having spent Saturday scraping the slick Dunlop tyres put them into the mist of the truck and full wets were on.
Race 1 – A controlled start from Martin Depper saw him lose time in the first corner at Paddock hill bend putting him slightly away from the mix. Whilst Arthur’s race craft showed him having a sensational start in front of season professional Jason Plato. The Team watched nervously in the garage at what Jason would do next. Soon his experience showed him overtaking Arthur at turn 3 Druids. This gave Arthur motivation to push himself further and following Jason’s race lines saw his sector times getting quicker and quicker. But soon this race was over, Arthur ecstatic with excitement spun from this sodden circuit and ended up bedded in the gravel trap at Paddock Hill bend.
Martin knew his had a job to do and having kept a steady pace throughout he finished his debut race in 18 position, achieving the Team 2 points.
Race 2 – Was said to be the spectator’s race of the day. Having the rain getting heavier and support races not even starting, Drivers Martin and Arthur sat apprehensive on the grid.
After 2 green flag laps both Arthur and Martin had fantastic start putting them into the mix of the BTCC competitive drivers. But the rain worsened and the rivers of water soon saw cars aquaplaning all over the track. This resulted in Arthur on the second lap once again in the gravel trap. And Martin unwillingly on lap 10 ended up in the same position after an unfortunate spin from snatching a gear, the buddys were back together!!!!!
Race 3 And at last the rain had stopped, all cars out on the formation lap caused many to relook at tyre strategy. The front wheel drive cars was in a mix, slicks at the front and wets on the back made Arthur make a courageous decision to put his rear wheel drive BMW on full slicks. Martin having stayed on wet tyres thought his team mate had made a brave step, and the team nervously watched on. This race having the grid reversed and the unfortunate DNS for Martin Johnston and Shaun Hollamby, saw Martin and Arthur in the middle of the grid in positions 14 & 18. Having Tom Chilton and Jason Plato behind them, this was going to be a great race. Good starts for both on slicks Arthur was suffering from handling issues with the car skating all over he lost the pack on the first lap. But Martin Depper was on a great charge, up to 10 place he was all over the Honda of Gordon Shedden. Successfully sitting in position for 2 laps defending off the attacking Tom Onslow Cole this was his best race so far. And then an apologetic hit at the bottom of druids from Tom Onslow Cole spun Martin putting him back to his position of starting. Both cars successfully crossed the finish line and Forster Motorsport had finished another proud weekend.
We look forward to Oulton Park, rest assured our pace will be quicker!!!