Tom feels better after blow-out!

For when he takes to the track at Donington Park, Leicestershire, his BTC Production class Peugeot 306 GTi6 will feel like a brand new car - mainly thanks to an engine blow out in the previous race.

The teenager had used the same unit all year, from pre-season testing to the last races, and it eventually threw in the towel at Mondello Park, Ireland, in round ten, about five races after it should have expired.

Far from being disappointed, Boardman, 17, knew it meant a fresh engine for the next outing, giving more power to his right foot.

The new engine was in place for yesterday's test outing at Snetterton, Norfolk, and it helped.

Boardman, of Forton, Lancashire, finished fifth quickest in his class - his highest test day placing yet. He also recorded the fastest speed in the BTC Production class through the circuit's speed trap.

He says: "Having a new engine is fantastic, the car feels so much more powerful. It was beginning to get a little tired with the old engine.

"My times, especially in qualifying, should improve now as they did in the test at Snetterton. If I can keep that up, anything is possible.

"I've set myself a goal of getting into the top five this weekend. That's my aim in qualifying but I don't want to make any predictions for the race.

"If I can do that in qualifying, then I'll be happy. If a podium comes in the race it will be great, but I just want to make sure I get into and stay in that top five."

Boardman, in a team run by his father John, is also confident the replacement engine will even improve his starts, already among the best of the BTC Production runners.

So far this year, the talented teenager has improved four places on average by the end of the first lap - all to do with his perfect startline getaways.

He says: "The new engine should respond better so if I get it right again this weekend I think I'll be a lot quicker off the line."