Renault UK Clio Cup racer Kyle Hornby stepped behind the wheel of a touring car during a recent test at Donington Park.

Hornby, from Stockport, jumped at the chance to drive the Sean Walkinshaw Racing Honda Civic as the new cars head towards their inaugural UK championship in 2018.

Following his graduation from the Ginetta Junior series to the UK Clio Cup, where he won a Rookie Cup at Oulton Park in 2017, Hornby took the step up in category in less than ideal conditions.

“There was a lot more grip than the Clios that I’m used to racing,” said Hornby. “The steering is very light,  in contrast to the Clio where the steering can be heavier at times.

“The TCR car has bigger brakes, meaning you had to put more force on them to slow the car down.

“Overall power is much greater, around 360 brake-horsepower, so with the car being front wheel drive it was crucial to not get on the power until the car was fully rotated otherwise the weight would come off the front creating a lot more understeer than a Clio.

“I massively enjoyed the day, it was a great experience and an insight in to what touring cars are like – it was a fun and challenging morning on slicks in greasy conditions with a lot of power.”