Photo: BTCC Media

Martyn Bell is re-energised and ready

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Martyn Bell says after a dip in confidence he’s now re-energised and raring to go as he prepares for his second crack at the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship in 2007. The usual chirpy Bell has admitted to BTCC.net that his spirits dropped last season when he and his Geoff Steel Racing team struggled to find a competitive set-up on their BMW E46.

But the Lincolnshire driver said: “I’m much more confident about our chances for 2007. Last year our car had no grip at the rear. Going sideways was probably fun for people to watch but all that will stop now – sorry! I’m going out there to be fast.

“We’ve gathered a lot of technical data subsequently and made a lot of modifications to the car during the winter. We’re confident it will now be much more driveable and a much more competitive package. I’d just ask everyone to watch and our lap times will tell…”

Bell, aged 42 from Barrow-upon-Humber, also said that valuable lessons had been learnt from his first season in Britain’s toughest motor racing championship – lessons that will make a difference to his future approach.

He added: “It was probably harder than we ever thought it would be. The level is that high and we will be much more switched on for 2007. Our car might not run for the first time until Media Day at Rockingham (13 March) but I’d rather everything was right than trying to hurry it up. Then we will go testing with Dunlop the following week in Spain which I think will be very worthwhile.

“We’re also waiting to announce an excellent new sponsor that will influence the team’s name and there should be some other very exciting news to announce in the not-too-distant future…

“I’ve really got my motivation back – when you become immersed in the BTCC you really can’t see yourself being involved in anything else. It’s very addictive and the championship with the new Super 2000 regulations is looking in great shape.

“I’m also delighted to see the new-shape E90 BMW coming in (with Team RAC and Jacksons Motorsport). I’ll be keeping a very close eye on those cars as we fully intend running a pair of them in 2008. But they’ve only got four cylinder engines and will never sound as good as my E46 (six-cylinder)!”