Dave Newsham will be looking to impress this weekend as he tackles what the AmD Tuning team regard as their second ‘home’ circuit, Knockhill.

Although based in West Thurrock, many guests and sponsors will be at the Scottish circuit, with Newsham intent on continuing his strong form at Knockhill and making up for lost ground from Snetterton, which saw an opening lap incident halt his charge from his best qualifying result so far.

“Knockhill is a weekend I always look forward to, and we have a lot of guests and sponsors who are coming along,” said Newsham, who only managed to bring one point home from Snetterton. “Hopefully we can put on a good show and I think we should do okay. There’s a bit more to come from me and Knockhill is a circuit where the driver can make a real difference. If it rains, we’ll definitely be in a good position, as we already know the Focus is good in the wet.

“We had our best qualifying last time out and we have to qualify well this weekend because it’s going to be tough with 31 cars on such a small track. Getting a free lap will be tough, but we have to try and make sure we are on track at the right time and avoid getting caught up in any incidents.”

Knockhill brings fond memories for Newsham, though, with one of his two BTCC wins coming there back in 2012.

“Things didn’t start well [in 2012] but then I benefitted from the reverse grid to win race three, so anything can happen,” he added.

Newsham will also take part in the special demonstration on Thursday, where current BTCC drivers will drive across the Forth Road Bridge as part of a ceremony in celebration of former F1 Champion Jim Clark’s life.

“I’ve lived in Scotland for a long time and I even represented them in karting, so I’m very proud to be asked to take part in the demonstration,” he said. “It’s a special event and is good for me, the team and our sponsors to be involved. I can’t wait.”