Motorbase Performance “aiming for wins from the off”

Motorbase Performance is preparing to make its first competitive appearance in 2015 as the British Touring Car Championship returns at Snetterton this weekend.

The team will return to the series with its new 2-litre Mountune engine, with Mat Jackson and former Formula Ford champion James Cole behind the wheel of the two Ford Focus ST machines.

Jackson will be itching to prove the pace he showed at a recent tyre test around the Snetterton circuit was genuine, setting the fastest time at the end of the afternoon session, beating reigning champion Colin Turkington’s time, who had been the fastest car on track all day.

“It’s great to be back on the grid,” said Jackson. “I just want to get out there and ruffle up some feathers! The Dunlop test proved that we’ve got the pace in the car and we’re in a good place to be coming back to the BTCC and hopefully challenging for podiums. That’s certainly the plan and that’s what we intend to do.”

“It’s great to be back on the BTCC grid again,” added Cole, who competed for Tony Gilham Racing for the first half of 2013 before a season long challenge with United Autosports in 2014. “I’ve never jumped in mid-season before and I’m looking forward to seeing where we are compared with everyone else. We’ve spoken about it and tested etc. but you never really know for sure until you’re in the thick of it.”

The Ford Focus of Motorbase has historically enjoyed its visits to the Norfolk tarmac of Snetterton, including a strong performance in the NGTC car’s debut in 2012 merely hours after it left the team’s workshop.

“It’s a relief to finally be on the BTCC grid after all of the hard work which has been going on behind the scenes at Motorbase and everyone in the team is really looking forward to it,” said Team Principal David Bartrum. “We had a great test here a few weeks ago but it’s time to get down to serious business again after a long break.

“We’re under no illusions that we’ve still got a lot of work to do, but we’re really keen to get back out on track and to see where we are. The grid has moved on a lot in the time that we’ve been away but both Mat and James are up for the challenge, as is the whole team.

“We don’t have the championship position to worry about so we’re aiming for wins and podiums from the off.”