Michael Caine will return to the British Touring Car Championship grid for the final two events of the 2019 season with Motorbase Performance, taking over the Ford Focus RS previously campaigned by Nicolas Hamilton.
Caine last competed in the BTCC in the first seven events of the 2018 season, before stepping aside from the driving seat for the last three rounds.
The 50-year-old has signed an 11th-hour deal to return to the BTCC with Motorbase Performance to race at Silverstone this weekend and the season finale at Brands Hatch in two weeks’ time.
The Newmarket racer has been a regular competitor with Motorbase, campaigning cars in the BTCC, British GT Championship, Blancpain Endurance Series and Porsche Carrera Cup GB for the outfit.
As a new entry to the current season, Caine will have to carry 45 kg of additional ballast into qualifying and race one at Silverstone.
“It’s well known that Michael Caine is Motorbase through and through,” said Team Principal David Bartrum. “We have an obligation to run the third car for the rest of the season or risk losing our TBL [TOCA BTCC Licence].
“He’s a safe pair of hands and knows the team inside out so was the obvious choice to jump in at the final hour.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Pro Alloy and Michael’s sponsors for stepping up with support to make this happen.”
Caine added that he was pleased to be able to return to the BTCC grid, after missing out on the opportunity to complete the season last year, when he was racing with Team HARD.
“Pro Alloy and Stace have saved the day,” added Caine. “When there was a seat come up with Motorbase to drive a touring car I was always going to be throwing my name in the hat.
“I didn’t get to finish the season last year, so it’s good to have this chance to come back and finish the job with Motorbase.
“I don’t have any expectations heading into this weekend. I’ll just take everything as it comes.”