Photo: TouringCarTimes

Kelvin Burt to coach Martyn Bell

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Former British Formula 3 and BTCC Race winner Kelvin Burt will be returning to the BTCC paddock for the 2007 season, this time not as a driver but as an advisor to Martyn Bell Racing. Burt who won races in BTCC in the 90s while driving for the Volvo and Ford factory teams will act as a driver coach to Martyn Bell.

“We’ve been chatting for a while and I met with Martyn to discuss things and we have agreed, in the early stages of the season at least, to work together to try and improve the performance,” Burt explained. “I watched Martyn on track last season and I know that the BMW is a good car, but he was struggling with it a bit. So I suppose that is where the idea was hatched, as set-up work and driver coaching is something I have a lot of experience with.”

Burt may still return as a driver later this season commenting: “We can’t say too much at the moment but if the funds can be put together to run a second car, then that could happen later in the season.”

Martyn Bell goes in to his second season in the BTCC looking to fight for a regular position in the top 10 in his BTC spec BMW 320i. The team have been working away hard throughout winter to cure a handling problem that slowed Bell’s challenge last season.

Talking about Burt joining the team, Martyn Bell commented: “I’m delighted to be able to confirm that Kelvin is coming onboard to work with me as a driver coach for the coming season,”

“He is due to come testing to Spain with us prior to the first round at Brands Hatch and will then be involved through the rest of the season with the possibility of driving a new BMW E90 later in the year.

“His input and knowledge will be important for the season ahead and will hopefully help us as we try to move up the grid.”

Alongside the news of Burt joining the team Bell also announced a new title sponsor for 2007. The team will race under the allaboutproperty.com banner for 2007.

“AllAboutProperty.com became involved with us last season and wanted to take their involvement to the next level for our second year,” Bell explained. “As a result, we have done a deal that will see them become our title sponsor for the new season.

“It is very flattering that they have decided to use our entry into the BTCC to promote themselves and we are looking forward to a good season under the Team AllAboutProperty.com banner.”