Alex Martin will make his debut in the British Touring Car Championship in 2015, after it was announced that he would drive a Motorbase Performance Ford Focus under the Dextra Racing banner.
27-year-old Martin has been a front runner this season in the Ferrari Challenge Europe, having secured two wins and five podiums in his third year in the class, but will return to a familiar environment in 2015 having previously competed in the Porsche Carrera Cup on the TOCA support package.
The Dorset-based racer’s initial pace and adaption to the front-wheel drive car impressed the squad at recent tests at Silverstone and Snetterton prior to today’s announcement, with further tests scheduled for Martin to hone his skills before the start of the season. Martin’s entry will be run under the Dextra Racing banner, with the livery for his expected to be unveiled later today.
And with confirmation of his place on the 2015 grid, Martin was thrilled to be stepping up to Britain’s premier motorsport championship.
“I’m delighted to be joining the British Touring Car Championship line up for 2015,” said Martin. “I’ve wanted to do the BTCC for a while now, it’s something that I’ve been looking at for the last few years and it’s great that it’s finally become a reality.
“The BTCC continues to go from strength to strength and the competition on the grid is second to none so I know I have a big job on my hands. Testing has gone very well so far, I have a lot of experience but I’m well aware that I have a huge challenge ahead of me both in terms of learning the style of the BTCC and also getting to grips with a front wheel drive car. I can’t wait for the season to get started – roll on 2015!”
Motorbase Performance Team Principal David Bartrum was equally pleased with the announcement, having been impressed with the 27-year-old’s testing performances.
“We’ve spoken to Alex many times over the past few years and know him from his Porsche Carrera Cup days with Team Parker so its great to finally see him in the BTCC,” said Bartrum. “We’ve been evaluating Alex alongside other drivers, and he did a great job in the Focus. He knows that he has a lot to learn but I’m confident that as a very competent GT racer, Alex will get his head around the Focus in no time at all.”