Bittersweet winter for new Motorbase man James Cole

A positive James Cole says he can’t wait to get out on track with his new Motorbase Performance team – even if it is going to be later than planned.

The former Tony Gilham Racing and United Autosports driver signed a plum deal over the winter to race a Ford Focus ST for the Kent squad, only for the team to lose a sponsor and announce it was sitting out the first half of the season.

After a season beset with bad luck in 2014, you could have forgiven the Liverpudlian for allowing himself to think things weren’t going his way. But to the contrary, Cole remains very positive about his chances for 2015.

“It’s a shame as I was really excited when I did the deal with Motorbase, and I am really excited because I know how quick that car is,” said Cole to TouringCarTimes.

“I can’t wait to get out, but it’s sod’s law that we won’t be out for the first couple of rounds. When you do a deal with a team and they lose the sponsor after, it can’t be helped. It’s not the team’s fault and it’s not our fault.

“I’ve done a test in the car and it’s fantastic – it’s a lot different to what I’ve driven before. It’s got grip and it’s got grunt, and it’s great to have a team-mate like Mat [Jackson] to work off and learn off.

“From the first impressions it seems like we’ve got similar driving styles which should help setup-wise. So just watch this space, and we’ll be out as soon as possible.”

Asked what kind of backing would be needed to get the team back out, Cole said: “You can never have enough money in motorsport! But if a sponsor came along tomorrow we could be out soon. I respect the team for what they’re doing and not risking everything.

“They’ve chosen the drivers they want in the team, of which I’m very excited and happy to be one of them, and the sooner we can get out the better.”

The 26-year-old scored a best result of 14th last season, with a fastest lap at Oulton Park and a career-best seventh on the grid at Brands Hatch also to his name.