Motorbase Performance have announced a new-look driver line-up for its 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship campaign, with Tom Chilton confirmed as the Kent-based squad’s first signing for its Ford Focus team.

After a successful partnership in 2017, Nestlé Shredded Wheat return as primary sponsors for the new season and the team also welcomes global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, Gallagher, under the new banner of Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Gallagher.

“We are proud to announce our partnership with Motorbase to take part in the 2018 BTCC Championship and look forward to the exciting prospect of Tom Chilton winning with the Gallagher brand prominently displayed on his Ford,” commented Christopher E. Mead, Chief Marketing Officer for Gallagher.

“Millions of fans in the UK and around the world enjoy the close racing in the BTCC, as do our clients and employees. We will leverage this sponsorship to showcase Gallagher’s global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services expertise and brand. This sponsorship brings additional attention to the capabilities of our brokers and sales consultants who deliver innovative solutions to their clients here in the UK and globally.”

Chilton joins the Motorbase line-up off the back of a stellar WTCC season, having recently secured the FIA WTCC Trophy (Independent’s title) and finishing third overall. The 32-year-old made his hotly-anticipated return to the BTCC last season after a five-year absence, and is eager to add to his impressive record which includes 12 race wins, 45 podiums, 12 pole positions and the 2010 Independents Drivers title.

“Motorbase is one of the most professional teams on the grid and I think I’ll fit in very well;” said Chilton. “I’m excited to be back in the Ford Focus. The last time I raced in the Focus I was crowned British Indy Champion in 2010, so it’s great to come back to it.

“I’m fully focused on one full championship next season, the BTCC. I love the fans in the BTCC and I love the racing. It’s such a competitive championship; no other series in the world is as close as the BTCC, every win and podium feels so special.”

“I’m really happy to have AJ Gallagher follow me back to the BTCC off the back of our WTCC title. I want to keep momentum from my WTCC title win going and British Champion is where I want to be next, that’s the aim for next season.”

Team Principal David Bartrum added; “It’s great to have Tom on board. He’s an excellent addition to the team with a proven touring car history and has all of the right ingredients to help Motorbase Performance challenge for the BTCC crown next season. He brings a wealth of experience with him from both British and World touring cars and it’s great to see him back with the Ford brand. A lot of his success in the BTCC has been with the Ford badge, he knows the product and knows our team and I think he will fit in well and be on the pace straight away.

“Our 2018 programme is starting to build up nicely with Tom’s signing and we continue to work hard behind the scenes and put all of our plans into place. We still have a few surprises in store and look forward to releasing more details in the coming weeks.”

An extensive winter testing programme is next on the agenda for Motorbase Performance with the team making final preparations ahead of the new livery unveil at the Autosport International show which runs from 11-14 January at the NEC, Birmingham.