Luck of the Irish awaits Team Halfords.

The 'Emerald Isle' beckons the 5th round and halfway point of the 2002 Green Flag British Touring Car Championship. Team Halfords currently reigning victorious in the Independent cup will be looking to accumulate points in the Touring teams Championship as the three distinctive orange and black Halfords 406 Coupes head across the channel to Mondello Park.

The 2.2-mile circuit situated just outside Dublin played host to the premier British saloon car series for the first time last year and the unknown track proved a real leveller for contending teams. Minimal track data and driver experience produced some of the closest door-handle to door-handle racing seen in the 2001 season, and this year promises to be no different.

In the week's build-up to Mondello, Team Halfords have been repairing damage incurred to all three cars from Silverstone, while also working on a car set up that will suit the notoriously tight and twisty circuit.

Tim Harvey, who throughout his long and prosperous motor racing career has never driven at Mondello, is confident his experience alongside the continued development of the Coupe will ensure that he will be leading the Team Halfords attack. Harvey comments: ' Despite the fact I am a Mondello Park virgin, the structure of the circuit is such that experience will count for a lot. I intend to make my first trip to Ireland a memorable one, and of course there is the renowned Irish hospitality to look forward to.'

Dan Eaves, who visited the circuit last year as part of the Peugeot works squad comments: 'The coupe adapted well to the circuit in 2001 and the cars were competitive, the circuit is technically and physically demanding but good fun to drive as there is never a time you feel you can sit back and relax. It will be good to get back out there, and it has definitely been a positive addition to the BTCC calendar.'

An official TOCA test day at Donington Park on Tuesday 11th June saw Norfolk based driver Carl Breeze make a sole appearance for Team Halfords, giving the rookie touring driver maximum running time in the car to increase his car mileage and confidence before heading off to the challenging Irish track.

The current Formula Renault champion, struggled with electrical problems on his newly prepared 406 Coupe throughout his first championship outing at Silverstone. Vic Lee, team principal concentrated on ironing out problems in Breeze's number 23 coupe in time for his first trip to Ireland.

The test day proved successful for both car and driver, as Carl Breeze commented: 'We concentrated on the engine for most of the morning, as that is the area I had most problems at Silverstone. My main aim for the test was to focus on improving my driving technique, and I was getting steadily quicker which was a good sign. It was beneficial to have some time just to get to know the car and put some miles on the clock.'