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UPGRADED CATERHAMS SET FOR A SWIFT-SHIFTING SEASON

A spectacular season of Superlight Challenge and Eurocup action is in the offing with the news that 23 of Caterham's upgrade packages - which includes a new Quaife sequential gearbox - have been ordered ahead of May's opening rounds of the two championships.

Circuit validation of the upgrade kit has been completed, with 47 different drivers testing the Quaife 'box-equipped C400 Superlight and the CSR 260. "There was universal agreement that the new gearbox has transformed the cars," said Caterham Motorsport Director Magnus Laird, "and with each gearbox enduring around 25,000 shifts during the validation programme, with no ill-effects at all, it's very encouraging for the continuing success of both models.

"We are now freezing the specification of both the C400 and CSR for at least the coming three seasons, so competitors can be sure that the investment they make in the upgrade kit will be a sound one."

The upgrade has been welcomed by reigning UK and European Superlight Champion Graham Fennymore, who is this season swapping the Caterham driving seat for a management role with his new team, Piranha Motor Racing. "The sequential gearbox is a great step forwards for an already superb racing car," said Graham. "I think it will give drivers more time to concentrate on where their wheels are going, and that can only improve the racing and the spectacle."

Piranha - formed by Fennymore and fellow Caterham racer Chris Bialan - is set to field at least two Superlights this season, one for experienced Superlight driver Chris Cappuccini and another for newcomer Ollie Jackson, with a third car in the offing. "I will be overseeing all the preparation," added Fennymore, "as well as setting the cars up and helping the drivers with their technique. I am looking forward to the new role."

The five-event/15-race evo Caterham Eurocup gets underway at the prestigious Spa 1000km meeting 9-11 May and the opening double-header of the Avon Tyres Caterham Superlight Challenge takes place a fortnight later at Castle Combe.

Backers for Caterham Motorsport's UK and European race series include Bilstein, Brian James Trailers, Cooper-Avon Tyres, The Daily Telegraph, Demon Tweeks, evo, HSBC, insuremotorsport.com, Mitchell Cotts, Motorsport News, Quaife and Stack.