Aiden Moffat told TCF that having a full season of experience in the Laser Tools Mercedes A-Class will show its worth in his 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship assault.
The Scotsman, who became the youngest driver to compete in the BTCC during his debut outings in 2013, returns for a second consecutive season with the Mercedes A-Class that earned him a maiden podium at his home event at Knockhill in 2015.
Moffat intends to use that experience of a year behind the wheel of the now chrome-adorned machine to full effect in 2016, feeling that a second year in the car will only see improvements after five top-10 results the previous season.
“Everything has been confirmed quite early”, Moffat told TCF at the Autosport Show in Birmingham.
“It’s a bonus because following on from my first year with Laser Tools, last year we were trying to progress with a new car.
“This year we’re staying with the same car which is going to be a massive help to me. It means that for the first time in my touring car career I have a year’s worth of experience with a car I’ll be racing.
“With Laser Tools on board again – they’re such good people. The boys are not just a sponsor, because they go above and beyond to really help us out.”
Moffat praised his partnership with fellow Mercedes driver, Adam Morgan (Photo: BTCC Media)
Both Moffat and Mercedes stablemate Adam Morgan enter with the boost of having secured their places on the grid earlier than most for 2016, the pair having both taken podium visits and enjoyed regular top-10 activity during the previous season.
When asked on whether the early winter deal will provide a confidence boost over their rivals in 2016, Moffat stated: “I think so.
“It puts your mind at ease when it all comes together so early, so it gives me more time to focus on trying to get a good testing plan set up.”
The Mercedes pairing of Moffat and Morgan, although both representing their own brands, has proven one of the most harmonious on the BTCC grid from the past 12 months.
Moffat himself echoed that statement, adding: “Adam’s more experienced in touring cars than me. He’s a very quick driver, but we’re both getting more and more confident between us.
“The way the team is working between us two is helping both of us massively because, the way we work, it’s a really good relationship. We get on as friends as well, which makes the partnership as a team so much easier.
“We’re going to try and get a bit of testing done, then really help bring each other on to be sure we have a good programme this year.”
