Team RAC boss Dick Bennetts has seemingly already conceded defeat to SEAT’s Leon TDIs at Snetterton in ten days time, saying “we stand no chance against them”.

Bennetts’ driver Colin Turkington won twice at Croft just prior to the mid-season break and last year at Snetterton his team’s BMWs qualified 1-2 and achieved a victory on what is a home circuit for RAC whose headquarters are based in nearby Norwich.

But having seen the turbo-diesel SEATs apparently dominate pre-event testing at the Norfolk track, the hugely experienced Bennetts believes his cars will be fighting for third at best when the BTCC roars back into action there on Sunday 13 July.

Bennetts said: “We were happy with the performance of the drivers and the BMW 320si in testing. It was great to be the fastest petrol engine (Turkington set the third fastest time). However the SEAT turbo diesel was in a league of its own and we have no chance against them.”

Meanwhile, Turkington will arrive at Snetterton clearly on a major high after his victory double at Croft – the first time in his career he has won twice in one day in the BTCC. The results have helped get his title hopes back on track and moved him up to fifth in the outright points table. He is also now second in the Independents standings, just five points adrift of leader Adam Jones.

Turkington said of the test: “It was a very productive couple of days for Team RAC. It is unusual to get two full days of testing and it’s a great opportunity to try things you wouldn’t normally get the time to do on a race weekend.

“The last round at Croft was fantastic day, for myself and for Team RAC. It was the first time in my BTCC career that I’ve won two races and is a day I won’t forget. After a six-week break I can’t wait to get back in the car and try to repeat my success.”

Team-mate Stephen Jelley, who was just half a second shy of Turkington in Snetterton testing, will be eager to improve on his results to date in his maiden BTCC season. Currently he lies 15th in the outright standings and is the eighth-highest Independents driver.

Jelley added: “Testing at Snetterton was great preparation for the next round. We learnt a lot more about the BMW made some real progress. I was pleased with my performance at Croft and am hoping to bring success for Team RAC at the next round."