Laser Tools Racing has carried out a U-Turn on its decision to leave the British Touring Car Championship, with the firm instead today announcing a new partnership with MB Motorsport.
Having previously sponsored Aiden Moffat for nine seasons in the BTCC, the company had announced in December its intention to withdraw as a sponsor from the BTCC.
However, the company headed up by Martin Smith will instead switch allegiance for 2023, backing Mark Blundell’s MB Motorsport and its driver, Jake Hill.
Last year, Hill finished third overall in the drivers’ standings, having been a title challenger until the very last race.
The new livery of Hill’s West Surrey Racing-run BMW 330e M Sport will be revealed in the coming months, whilst the team will be known as ‘Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport’.
“We have been very impressed with the team at MB Motorsport and we feel that Jake Hill is a future BTCC Champion,” said Laser Tools’ Chairman Martin Smith.
“Mark Blundell has demonstrated that the synergy between Laser Tools Racing and MB Motorsport is already obvious.
“We are proud to be still competing in the BTCC and very much looking forward to what is sure to be a very exciting year for us.”
MB Motorsport’s Blundell is looking forward to working with the sponsor, which has already enjoyed BTCC title success in 2020 and 2021 after working with Moffat’s outfit in conjunction with BMR Engineering and Ash Sutton.
“It is a hugely exciting moment for the MB Motorsport organisation to announce our new title partners in the shape of Laser Tools as we ramp up our preparations for 2023,” added Blundell.
“Laser Tools Racing has already achieved so much within the series, and we are proud to be carrying that baton forward now.
“Our discussions have been very productive right from the start, and I cannot wait to see what Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport can achieve this year!”
Hill admitted he was surprised when he first heard about the deal for 2023.
“When I was told this news, I was massively surprised but completely thrilled too! Laser Tools Racing have a proud history in the BTCC and I cannot wait to fly the flag for them in the series this year,” said Hill.
“They’re a brand completely synonymous with everything that is so good about the championship and I know that the Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport combination will prove to be a really strong one this year.”