Motorbase Performance has confirmed that Andy Neate will remain with the team for the 2021 British Touring Car Championship, being joined by Sam Osborne in another of the team’s Ford Focus STs.
Neate will remain with a team for more than one season for the first time in his BTCC career, having re-joined the series with Motorbase for the 2020 campaign.
Last year the 46-year-old scored a best result of 14th on his way to 24th in the drivers’ standings, whilst former team-mate Rory Butcher proved the new car was a title contender in its first year.
Osborne, meanwhile, switches to the outfit having spent his first two years in the BTCC with AmD Tuning. However, with Motorbase having recently been acquired by his father Pete and AmD boss Shaun Hollamby, Osborne will be in familiar territory.
Motorsport drivers Jake Hill and Ollie Jackson to further aid development across both teams.
“I have a great relationship with Andy and Sam and collectively we have a few points to prove this year,” said Team Principal Hollamby. “That is something that is motivating all of the team as we look ahead to the new season.
“Both Andy and Sam possess a great deal of natural ability, which you can see from their past successes in various support series; the challenge for both of them this year is to showcase their true potential on a consistent basis.
“Andy and Sam know that they have the support of a great team of people around them and I have been hugely impressed by how motivated and determined they have both been as we have got back to work.
“We have a great deal of belief in both of them and look forward to them justifying that during the season ahead.”
Neate cites the continuity he carries into 2021 as an important factor in giving him extra confidence this season.
“I’m more determined than ever this year,” said Neate. “For anyone, making it to the grid in the BTCC is a fantastic achievement.
“For me, returning to the grid with Motorbase Performance for a second consecutive season – something I have never done before – is really exciting.
“Last year for me was not my best year, but after such a long time out and coming back into such a competitive season, it really took me by surprise in terms of how much higher the standard is.
“But now with that year under my belt, I am chomping at the bit to get going and show my true performance out on-track. The team and I have a great programme lined up and I really am working harder than ever to showcase the results I know I can deliver.”
Osborne ended the 2020 season 19th in the drivers’ championship, having campaigned an AmD-run Honda Civic to eight points finishes, whilst his then-team-mate Jake Hill picked up six podiums.
“I’m thrilled to be working with Motorbase Performance this year,” said 27-year-old Osborne. “With this team, I can continue my progression in 2021.
“Last year I began to really settle into the series, so my aim for this season is to keep pushing myself as hard as I can and fight for the Jack Sears Trophy.
“Everyone knows how fiercely competitive the BTCC is and that it takes time to adjust. For me, that is a process I have now been through and it’s up to me to show what I am really about this year.
“With the car we’ve got and the team around me, I think I’ve got every chance and I can’t wait to get started.”
The team will campaign two Ford Focus ST cars, whilst sister outfit MB Motorsport will campaign another two Ford Focus ST cars in 2021.