West Surrey Racing has confirmed that former driver Nick Foster will make a return to the British Touring Car Championship this weekend to cover for the absent Andy Priaulx.
Priaulx, who is sixth in the drivers’ championship standings, misses the Rockingham meeting owing to a fixture clash with the European Le Mans Series, which he had signed up to before his BTCC deal.
16 drivers expressed an interest in the vacant seat, with WSR plumping for Foster – who scored a podium in 2011 during his time with the team – given his experience and familiarity with the team and its BMW 125i.
“It’s great to welcome Nick back to the BTCC and he’ll always be a part of the WSR family,” said Team Principal Dick Bennetts. “People wouldn’t believe the number and calibre of names that wanted to drive for us next weekend, which made for a really tough decision.
“We had to consider what was best for our team, IHG Rewards Club and the rest of our partners, and came to the conclusion that we needed someone who could get to grips with the car as quickly as possible. We would like to thank everyone for their interest but Nick is quick, hugely experienced and knows how to get the job done in the BTCC.
“We need a driver who we can trust and hopefully score some solid points at Rockingham – we’re confident Nick is that man.”
Foster spent four years with the team prior to announcing his retirement from the sport in January, but admitted he was looking forward to making a return to the championship.
“I can’t wait to work with our championship winning team again and look forward to seeing many familiar faces and old friends in the BTCC paddock,” he said. “It will be serious business over the weekend, however, as I hope to help the team in their battle for constructors’ and teams’ honours.
“The BMW 1-Series is a car I know very well, WSR is a team I’ve worked with for many years and I also really enjoy racing at Rockingham, so I am delighted to be given this opportunity.”