SPEEDWORKS Motorsport say they want their car to steer clear of trouble in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship finale at Silverstone this weekend.

The Northwich outfit, newcomers to the competition season, have had a challenging debut after making history as one of the first teams to prepare a machine built to a specification never before seen in the series.

“We have to remember where we are and how far we’ve come,” said team boss Christian Dick.

“Our patience has been tested at times, but we feel a huge sense of satisfaction to have made it to the end of the season.

“There’s immense feeling of pride [as team principal] as a result because of that as the boys that work for me have put in an enormous amount of effort.”

Driver Tony Hughes resumed race duties in his Next Generation Touring Car (NGTC) Toyota Avensis at Brands Hatch last time out following a two-rounds break during which Speedworks worked on improving the car.

His weekend was not without incident after a head gasket failure at the start of qualifying prompted an overnight engine change.

“We expected it to be hard [this season] and so it’s proved,” added Dick.

“But we feel so much more confident now because of the experience we’ve been through and the knowledge we now have of the car.

“The Avensis’ development is ongoing and I believe there is a lot more to come in terms of its power and performance.”

Hughes, 53, is determined to finish his maiden campaign, during which he has piloted a front wheel drive machine for the first time, on a high.

He said: “We want to get through the weekend solidly and reliably, preferably with everything in one piece.”

The Cheshire businessman has yet to score a point in the Independent drivers’ standings – Speedworks have nine in the teams’ championship – but has been a consistent finisher.

A 14th place finish at home circuit Oulton Park in June remains his best result.

“It was a mixed day for us [at Brands] and I think Tony was frustrated at first because he knew the car could go faster,” said Dick.

“The components we needed are in place now and already there’s a massive improvement.

“Hopefully that will translate into results on track at Silverstone so we can sign off feeling happier.”

Hughes will be part of a record-breaking 30-cars grid for the season finale, the biggest number to start a race in the series’ long history.

At the front, an unprecedented five drivers – champion Jason Plato, Mat Jackson, James Nash, Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden – can still win the title.

A total off 44 points separates the quintet, with 52 up for grabs across Sunday’s three races.

Neal (Honda Racing Team Civic) leads the way by five points ahead of Plato (Silverline Racing Chevrolet) and teammate Shedden, who share second spot.

Jackson (Airwaves Racing Ford Focus) and Nash (888 Racing with Collins Contractors Vauxhall Vectra) are outsiders for overall honours, but they are battling for first place in the Independent drivers’ standings too.

ITV 4 will broadcast the action live on Sunday from 11am.

Qualifying takes place on Saturday from 3.10pm.