Walton-on-Thames racing driver Richard Hawken has outlined plans to lift the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship title in 2017, writes Chris Ashby.

Hawken will make his series debut with Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing next year in one of two Q50’s the manufacturer-backed outfit have entered.

The new team will help raise the awareness and funds for Support Our Paras, the official charity of The Parachute Regiment.

And Hawken explained he was not simply in it to make up the grid numbers.

“To race for a manufacturer such as Infiniti is a dream come true and our work with the Paratroopers makes me feel very honoured," he said.

“Realistically the first couple of rounds will be about breaking into the top 20.Then the objective will be to move towards the top 10 later in the season.

“The aim in 2017 will be to challenge for the championship, I know that is ambitious but I believe it is possible.”