BRITISH touring cars outfit Rob Austin Racing are hoping their tilt at title glory won’t be spoiled by a lack of money.

Twelve months ago, the Pershore-based team were the competition’s new kids on the block but their chances of success were blighted by major design issues with their Audi A4s.

For most of 2011 they were only able to use one car and, despite an end-of-season resurgence, it was a campaign they were glad to see the back of.

Now, following a winter of rebuilding, those problems have been consigned to history and they are ready to launch an assault for honours in 2012, starting at the championship opener at Brands Hatch this weekend.

Once again using Next Generation Touring Car (NGTC) specifications, team principal Rob Austin and new recruit Mark Hazell have their sights set on challenging for points.

But, having ironed out the many technical issues, RAR are now facing a new problem — the possibility of not being able to complete the calendar.

While Hazell, 49, brings his own sponorship to the table, Austin has been unable to secure enough finance to guarantee reaching the finale at Brands Hatch in October.

And, having finished sixth quickest at last Monday’s media day at Silverstone, Austin believes he can be a contender.

“If I can get a budget for the season I would be a pretty good bet for the championship,” he said.

“At the moment we are starting the season but as it currently stands we are really going to struggle to complete it.”

The 31-year-old added: “Last season we didn’t have the car we were sold. I am proud of my boys for doing the job they did with what they were given and I think we did exceptionally well considering the issues we had.

“This year we have spent a lot of time and effort on the car and it’s 100 per cent a Rob Austin Racing car.

“It’s about a 10th-of-a-second off the true pace but there’s still plenty more to come, it’s extremely quick.”

While last season RAR were in the minority using the NGTC specifications — designed to reduce running costs — this year more than half of the teams have switched, including Pershore Industrial Estate neighbours Honda Racing Team.

But Austin feels the experience of 2011 will give them an advantage in pursuit of reigning champion Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden.

He said: “We are in a strong position as we are the only team with NGTC experience who have completely rebuilt the car. Honda have far more resources than us but they don’t have the experience.

“I honestly believe we are going to give them an extremely good run for their money.”

Rob’s father, team chairman Richard Austin, said: “We knew that there were a lot of things we needed to sort out with the car which we’ve done over the winter.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring the team can contact RAR on 01386-555865.