![James Cole, RCIB Insurance Racing [Team HARD], Vauxhall Insignia](https://www.touringcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/IMGL13310.jpg "Photo by Riad Ariane/SportStock.co.uk")
Team HARD’s James Cole is to part ways with his team with immediate effect, stating that he is hoping to focus his efforts on a full-time drive for the 2014 British Touring Car Championship.
Cole, 24, joined the season at the start of 2013 to race one of Tony Gilham’s Thorney-built Vauxhall Insignias. In his 15-race spell in the BTCC to-date, Cole has secured a best finish of just 13th, achieved on two occasions at Brands Hatch and Oulton Park respectively.
“This was a very hard decision to make, the BTCC is a great championship,” said Cole. “I moved into touring cars this season and it was meant to be the first chapter of my education into driving a tin-top car, but I didn’t feel that I was getting any real grounding into the skills needed by working with Team Hard. That has led me to seek new opportunities.”
Cole added that he has taken the decision with his long-term future in the series in mind and that he has already begun looking for ways to make it onto the grid for 2014.
“My mechanics worked tirelessly, and I would like to thank them all for their efforts, but I felt that the best decision for my future would be to leave the team,” added Cole. “I will now look for opportunities with other partners who share the same vision as me and those with the capability of giving me the tools and the experience I need to progress as a top-level touring car driver.”
Team HARD have made no statement regarding Cole’s departure.