Tiff Needel

[wedge]

Was he in contention with John Bintcliff to drive the Audi A4?

[BDunnell]

Yes! I assume the query stems from the MotorSport podcast — it was actually my question on the subject that he answered. Tiff was one of the drivers in the frame for the 1996 Audi BTCC drive alongside Frank Biela. As I recall, and as he confirmed, Tiff was to some extent the favourite for the drive, it being reported at the time that Audi UK wanted to give it to him on account of his media profile. What I can't remember is whether he tested the car. I was interested to hear him say that he also tested for Ford's BTCC team around that time, and was quickest of the drivers at whom they looked, but the seat went elsewhere. Which year that was I'm not sure. Maybe '96 as well?