Mat Jackson has been confirmed at Motorbase Performance for the 2016 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season, partnering Andrew Jordan in the Kent-based team.
Jackson will enter his seventh consecutive season with Motorbase, and his 11th in the BTCC, in the forthcoming season, and he will be aiming to build on the four wins secured during a half-season in 2015.
Whilst Jordan is backed by long-term sponsor Pirtek, Jackson will continue to be backed by Duo in the forthcoming season, having partnered with the construction processing systems company in 2015.
“It is great to be returning with Motorbase for 2016 and to be able to carry on from last year’s performance and mount our assault on the championship,” said Jackson, who will continue at the wheel of his mountune-powered Ford Focus. “I have to say huge thanks to DUO and to Motorbase for their continued loyalty and it’s fantastic to be able to bring DUO in for a full season this year.
“We’ve got an extensive testing programme planned which starts today, and with the new regulations it will be more important than ever before to get a head start as the season kick off at Brands in April.”
Motorbase Team Principal David Bartrum openly admits that he is hoping for big things from his proven driver line-up for the 2016 season.
“We’re obviously delighted to have Mat back on board for his seventh year with us,” said Bartrum. “Hopefully the number 7 will prove to be our lucky number this year with Mat racing back under his number 7 and Andrew as 77!
“We’ve known Mat for a long time and enjoyed one of our best periods together at the end of last season so the aim now is to carry that momentum on into this year and to focus on challenging at the front as soon as the first flag drops.
“There’s work to be done, particularly around the new suspension, but I can honestly say that if I was asked to pair two drivers together then Mat and Andrew would be my first choice all day long. They both tested with us at the end of last year and worked well together; there’s a great dynamic between them so I’m looking forward to seeing how they will bounce off of each other’s experience as time goes on.
“They may be in different coloured cars but they are very much team-mates and equal parts of the Motorbase stable. We have a great team behind them, so now is our time to shine.”
DUO CEO Alex Moss added that the company was pleased to be able to embark on a full-season campaign with the team this year.
“We are delighted to be working with Motorbase Performance for what will be our first full partnership year after successfully working with the team in the later part of the season last year,” he said. “We had three excellent performances with Mat Jackson which has led to our association and partnership.
“As a business we already support several top level drivers within the sport, and the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship is going from strength to strength, so the decision to get involved was an easy one to take.
“Motorbase Performance are a winning team and we are delighted to be working with them. For us to be part of a driver’s career as they progress through the ranks is something that we are proud to be part of.”