Peugeot 307 returns at Brands with Varta.

The Peugeot 307 will return to the BTCC this weekend at Brands Hatch after Team Varta announced that it is to replace its ETCC spec Honda Civic Type-R with the ex Dan Eaves car used by VLR last season.

The team, which used a 307 in the now defunct production class last season, has been hit with a number of problems with the Honda that has left driver Richard Marsh struggling at the rear of the field.

Now Varta have followed the lead of Mardi Gras in replacing the Honda with a BTCC spec machine, with both teams set to complete the season with ex Eaves machines.

"The main problem with the Honda was the weight," Marsh told Crash.net. "Even with a lightweight driver we wouldn't get that car down to the weight it needed to be, and anyone who has seen me will know that I'm not your average size driver.

"The Honda was at least 70 kilos heavier than it needed to be, we didn't have a sequential gearbox in it and we were probably about 20 horsespower down on the other cars. The Honda was a good car when you are running to a limited budget as BTC cars are very expensive when engines start blowing or a gearbox goes and it has served our needs in our first season with the tourers. It has been training for me and now we want something better to see what position we can put ourselves in for next season."

One problem Marsh may have for this weekend is a lack of time in the new machine. The first practice session at Brands will be the first time he has driven the car, and as a result he isn't looking to set the world alight.

"I sat in the car for the first time yesterday [Wednesday] for a seat fitting, so the first session at Brands will be the first time I've driven the car," he said. "It's not ideal but that's the way it is. Everyone knows that I've been driving round at the back and I need the experience of racing in the pack.

"If we can get our heads round the car then I'd like to be able to get ahead of Jason [Hughes] and John [George]. We aren't going out this weekend to set the world alight, the aim just has to be to go faster and faster."