Stephen Jelley will return to the British Touring Car Championship following a one-year absence in 2025, completing the line-up at One Motorsport alongside Josh Cook.
Jelley, 42, will get behind the wheel of one of the outfit’s Honda Civic Type-R FK8 cars, marking only the second time in his BTCC career when he will race a front-wheel drive car.
The Leicestershire racer made his début in the championship back in 2008, and has spent all seasons except 2017 (when he was in a Ford Focus) in rear-wheel drive BMW machinery.
After three seasons as a Team BMW driver from 2021 to 2023, Jelley was absent from the grid last year as he raced in the BTCC-supporting Porsche Carrera Cup GB instead.
Jelley has four wins to his name, his most recent coming at Oulton Park in 2022, and will be looking to improve on his best championship ranking of seventh, achieved back in 2009.
“It’s fantastic to be back in the BTCC and to be a part of One Motorsport,” said Jelley, who has 262 starts to his name in the BTCC.
“If I’m honest I didn’t think I’d get another crack at the championship so to be back is a victory in itself; it’s an opportunity that really excites me.
“With the team taking a sabbatical last year I wasn’t sure how things were shaping up behind the scenes but after Josh helped make some introductions it quickly became clear that lots of work has been going on by a great bunch of people and that the team is back in a big way.
“I’ve obviously spent a good few years racing against the Honda so to now have the chance to get behind the wheel myself is something I’m relishing.
“I’ve got to make that transition back to front-wheel-drive but having a well-sorted car underneath me will accelerate that process.
“Going into the season we’ve got a couple of test days planned and they’ll be invaluable. I’m not naive though in thinking that the first few events will be all about learning; come the Thruxton meeting though I want to be dialled in and challenging for the best results possible.”
Steve Dudman, One Motorsport Team Owner, believes Jelley brings a wealth of experience to the returning team.
“We’re very pleased to welcome Stephen to the team,” added Dudman. “He’s a great fit for One Motorsport and he brings with him a wealth of experience, calm professionalism and balance, of not only competing in the BTCC, but winning in the championship as well.
“The championship is shaping up to be as competitive as ever this year and with Stephen now joining Josh, I’m confident that we have two drivers that will give us a great chance of success in all areas for 2025.”