Jackson leads BTCC test... and more

Jackson leads way in BTCC test
The first Hi-Q British Touring Car Championship test got off to a fast start at Rockingham, Northamptonshire, where Mat Jackson smashed the tin-top lap record. The BMW Dealer Team UK driver beat the previous quickest time by more than three-quarters of a second in his 320si. Just behind him on the timesheets were Team RAC’s Colin Turkington and Vauxhall’s Fabrizio Giovanardi.

Pedro takes over in drivers’ group
McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa has been elected chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA). The 37-year-old Spaniard was the first choice of GPDA directors Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber. He won a unanimous victory at a vote held before the Australian GP, and replaces Ralf Schumacher as head of the organisation.

Weight is on for Priaulx and co.
Things are going to get heavy at the second round of the WTCC in Mexico on 6 April. For the first time in the series’ history, organisers will add success ballast to the cars. Joint leaders Gabriele Tarquini and Yvan Muller will carry an extra 44kg into the race, while Britain’s Andy Priaulx is to have 33kg added to his BMW.