Michael Caine relishes the battles on BTCC return

Reigning British GT champion Michael Caine gave Motorbase Performance something to smile about at a trying Croft , in what was effectively a shakedown meeting for the team’s third NGTC Ford Focus.

Caine qualified 15th, and after a bad start managed to battle through to a fine eighth at the flag, with a double pass on the duelling Rob Collard and Adam Morgan a particular highlight.

The car’s teething troubles came to bear in the second race, meaning Caine had to sit out the wet final encounter. But he was positive about his opening race.

“I did go backwards to start with – it’s not like the rolling starts in GTs!” said Caine to TouringCarTimes.

“It was a case of me learning the car, and we got qualifying and one free practice, which just wasn’t enough time.

“We are making inroads, and hopefully what we have learnt with my car now will go onto the [Airwaves] guys, and that’s what we’re here for.

“I am delighted with the result, but the main effort should be Airwaves.”

Regarding his battle with Rob Collard, Caine added: “I went to see Collard and he said ‘I so enjoyed that!’ I’ve known Rob for many years and he was very fair with me on the circuit.”