Motorbase Performance has confirmed Tom Chilton as its first signing for the 2018 British Touring Car Championship season, as Gallagher Insurance joins the team’s title sponsors.
The Brit almost completed a full-season in the BTCC in 2017 with Power Maxed Racing, alongside his World Touring Car Championship campaign with Sébastien Loeb Racing, but he ultimately fell slightly short due to missing the Silverstone meeting after a recent operation.
Chilton will join the team for an ‘extensive winter testing programme’ ahead of the unveiling of the team’s new livery at the Autosport International Show at the NEC in January.
“Motorbase is one of the most professional teams on the grid and I think I’ll fit in very well,” said Chilton. “I’m excited to be back in the Ford Focus. The last time I raced in the Focus I was crowned British Indy Champion in 2010, so it’s great to come back to it.
“I’m fully focused on one full championship next season, the BTCC. I love the fans in the BTCC and I love the racing. It’s such a competitive championship; no other series in the world is as close as the BTCC, every win and podium feels so special.
“I’m really happy to have AJ Gallagher follow me back to the BTCC off the back of our WTCC title. I want to keep momentum from my WTCC [Independents’] title win going and British Champion is where I want to be next, that’s the aim for next season.”
Motorbase Team Principal Dave Bartrum is looking forward to welcoming the 32-year-old 12-time BTCC race winner to the team for 2018.
“It’s great to have Tom on board,” added Bartrum. “He’s an excellent addition to the team with a proven touring car history and has all of the right ingredients to help Motorbase Performance challenge for the BTCC crown next season.
“He brings a wealth of experience with him from both British and World touring cars and it’s great to see him back with the Ford brand. A lot of his success in the BTCC has been with the Ford badge, he knows the product and knows our team and I think he will fit in well and be on the pace straight away.
“Our 2018 programme is starting to build up nicely with Tom’s signing and we continue to work hard behind the scenes and put all of our plans into place. We still have a few surprises in store and look forward to releasing more details in the coming weeks.”