Mat Jackson will partake in his seventh consecutive season for Motorbase Performance, as the Ford Focus outfit confirmed he will join Andrew Jordan for their 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship assault.
The 2008 BTCC runner-up has remained loyal to the Kent-based squad since 2010, most recently competing in just 15 races for the team in 2015 where he scored eight podiums and four victories.
Holding 25 race wins to his name, the 34-year-old will join former champion Jordan at the team for a full campaign in 2016, both competing with the latest Ford EcoBoost 2.0 litre turbocharged engine in their Focus ST machines.
Photo: Craig McAllister
Jackson commented: “It is great to be returning with Motorbase for 2016 and to be able to carry on from last year’s performance and mount our assault on the championship. I have to say huge thanks to DUO and to Motorbase for their continued loyalty and it’s fantastic to be able to bring DUO in for a full season this year.
“We’ve got an extensive testing programme planned which starts today, and with the new regulations it will be more important than ever before to get a head start as the season kick off at Brands in April.”
Motorbase Team Principal, David Bartrum, commented: “We’re obviously delighted to have Mat back on board for his seventh year with us. Hopefully the number 7 will prove to be our lucky number this year with Mat racing back under his number 7 and Andrew as 77!
“We’ve known Mat for a long time and enjoyed one of our best periods together at the end of last season so the aim now is to carry that momentum on into this year and to focus on challenging at the front as soon as the first flag drops. There’s work to be done, particularly around the new suspension, but I can honestly say that if I was asked to pair two drivers together then Mat and Andrew would be my first choice all day long.
“They both tested with us at the end of last year and worked well together; there’s a great dynamic between them so I’m looking forward to seeing how they will bounce off of each other’s experience as time goes on.
“They may be in different coloured cars but they are very much team-mates and equal parts of the Motorbase stable. We have a great team behind them, so now is our time to shine.”
Jackson’s car will carry the logos of main sponsor, DUO, which joined the team from the Rockingham meeting last season where Jackson himself claimed pole position and a race win.
“It’s great to welcome back DUO for a full challenge on the BTCC,” continued Bartrum. “DUO has a great outlook on business and combines it well with motorsport and I’m looking forward to our relationship growing stronger as the season progresses. It’s thanks to DUO’s support that Mat will become Motorbase Performance’s longest serving driver.”
