Andy Neate will be replaced by Paul Rivett at Motorbase Performance for the next two British Touring Car Championship events, with Neate continuing his recovery from COVID-19.
Neate withdrew from the recent round at Oulton Park after qualifying, with the 47-year-old suffering too much to continue competing in the event.
Although Neate tested positive for COVID during the five-week break preceding Oulton Park, and had since tested negative, he is continuing with a slower than anticipated recovery.
He has opted to sit out the events at Knockhill and Thruxton, giving 43-year-old Rivett another shot at the BTCC.
Four-time Renault Clio Cup champion Rivett made his BTCC début last year with TradePriceCars Racing, competing in the final two events at Snetterton and Brands Hatch in an Audi S3.
This year, he will get to take over Neate’s Ford Focus ST in his pursuit of bettering his best BTCC result of 15th.
“I can’t wait to get into such a fantastic car with such a fantastic team,” said Rivett, the 2002, 2004, 2011 and 2018 Clio Cup Champion. “After my first experience in a BTCC car last year I have been waiting to get back out in a touring car ever since.
“While it is a great opportunity for me, I really hope that Andy is back to full fitness soon.
“I would just like to say a massive thank you to Motorbase and Wayne Eason for making this possible. Dreams can come true.”
Neate explained that following the event in Cheshire he had returned to intensive care for a spell to aid his COVID recovery.
“Sadly, COVID has truly taken a hold of me this past month, and having spent some time in intensive care post-Oulton Park, there is simply no way I can be fit in time for Knockhill or Thruxton,” said Neate.
“I’ll be back for the final four weekends of the BTCC all being well and if things work out OK for me. Until then I’ll be wishing Motorbase luck in my absence.
“More importantly though, if I can’t make it to the track I’ll be watching Aiden Neate in F4 from my sofa in his next two race weekends.”