Subaru will join the British Touring Car Championship this season as a manufacturer after announcing a tie-up with Warren Scott’s Team BMR outfit.
The marque has confirmed a minimum commitment of three years in the championship and has provided BMR with the estate Levorg model in 2016 – which will be run as a rear-wheel drive car.
Double champions Jason Plato and Colin Turkington have been confirmed with the team for the coming season.
“I am extremely delighted that BMR are to become a manufacturer team in only our 4th year of competing in the BTCC,” said Team Principal Scott. “I have had aspirations of becoming a race winning team with factory support from the very beginning and I am immensely proud of the team for giving Subaru the confidence in partnering BMR.”
Plato, who played his part in bringing the deal together, said he was hoping the new deal would help him to fight for a third championship crown, having missed out by four points in 2015.
“Part of my role when joining BMR was to help secure a manufacturer deal,” he said. “The iconic Subaru brand has always been right at the top of my wish list, obviously it goes without saying that I am very excited about our future together and I’m confident that BMR will produce a fantastic package for me to fight for the Championship.
“This really is [an] exciting times for us all… I can’t wait for the season to begin.”
Team-mate Turkington added: “Continuing with Team BMR for the 2016 season was an easy decision for me and represents a great opportunity to build on our strong maiden campaign.
“I can’t wait to get started with the development of the new Subaru Levorg BTCC race car and I’m more motivated than ever to win. This announcement is huge news for the Championship and equally for me.”