Motorbase Performance team principal David Bartrum has described Ant Whorton-Eales as “the real deal” after the 2016 Renault UK Clio Cup champion produced impressive pace during his prize British Touring Car Championship test with the Kent squad yesterday (17th November).
Whorton-Eales got the opportunity to sample Motorbase’s multiple race-winning Ford Focus courtesy of the championship’s tyre supplier Dunlop, who have provided BTCC test opportunities for the Clio Cup champion for each of the past four years.
The test came at Snetterton, the same circuit at which Whorton-Eales made his BTCC test bow in a Team HARD Toyota Avensis during the Dunlop tyre test back in July, with the Lichfield racer enjoying a productive day in mixed conditions.
Batrum was hugely impressed with his performance, saying: “If Ant came along in the right conditions then he would be of interest to our team – he’s definitely got what it takes to do the job,” while team manager Oli Collins added: “He’s just been very impressive. He’s done exactly as we asked and been on the pace straight away for the conditions.”
Whorton-Eales commented: “Today started with a run on slick dry weather tyres on a damp track and then full wets were needed for my second run because of the rain that came in. Also the Motorbase car is a different animal to the Toyota as it has been running with all the latest BTCC kit on it.
“Full marks to Dunlop for giving me this day. It’s not just some token prize; they take it seriously and aren’t scared of throwing tyres at the car, meaning you get a proper go in it. Likewise Motorbase, who put on a properly aggressive race set-up which means I’ve been able to get a real feel for the car.”
