Mike Bushell beaming after Motorbase Snetterton test

Newly crowned Renault Clio Cup champion Mike Bushell says he has ambitions to race in the BTCC next season, after an “amazing experience” testing for Motorbase Performance at Snetterton.

The 25-year-old was awarded the test as a prize for his Clio championship win, with regular Ford Focus ST driver Mat Jackson providing driver coaching.

Bushell, who competed in one BTCC weekend at Knockhill in 2013, completed a full race distance on the Dunlop soft tyre at the test on Wednesday.

He said: “The BTCC car is definitely a different beast to the Clio. It’s a lot heavier, there’s a lot more grip and obviously more power. I found the limit a few times, mowed the lawn, but it was an amazing experience – it’s been like Christmas come early.

“I was very surprised by the soft tyres and it was a good opportunity to test them. I was amazed at how quickly they drop off, when I felt the grip max-up I took a little bit too much out of them. I’ve got aspirations to be in the BTCC next year and this prize was almost like a first test for that.”

Motorbase team manager Olly Collins said: “We did a couple of short runs, which were more familiarisation than anything, and then Mike had his race run on the soft tyre which was quite a challenging thing to do. After the warm-up procedure he then had to manage the tyre and did a good job.

“Running on softs was probably the most challenging thing Mike could have done really, he set a good time early on and had a very good approach with good feedback. Obviously, he is looking at progressing into touring cars sooner rather than later and so the experience was very valuable for him. Mike was good to work with and he did seem to enjoy himself!”

Joining Bushell at the test was Jayde Kruger, the Formula Ford champion, who was also rewarded for his title win with a run in the Focus ST.