Motorbase Performance are pleased to announce that Andy Neate and Sam Osborne will complete the team’s two-car entry and lead their campaign in the 2021 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.

Determined to both make their mark on the series this year, Andy returns to Motorbase Performance looking to build on the relationship and work of last year while Sam joins the team following an improved campaign in 2020.

After a prolonged absence, Andy returned to the series full-time with Motorbase Performance in 2020 and worked hard to get to grips with the fierce competition across the grid of the UK’s highest-profile racing championship. The new season will mark Andy’s first time lining up in the same car over consecutive campaigns – something the Melton Mowbray-
based driver feels is an important factor.

“I’m more determined than ever this year,” Andy said. “For anyone, making it to the grid of the BTCC is a fantastic achievement. For me, returning to the grid with Motorbase Performance for a second consecutive season, something I have never done before, is something I am really excited about.

“Last year for me, was not my best year, but after such a long time out and coming back into such a competitive season, it really took me by surprise in terms of how much higher the standard is. But now with that year under my belt, I am chomping at the bit to get going and show my true performance out on track. The team and I have a great programme lined up
and I really am working harder than ever to showcase the results that I know I can deliver.”

Building on his debut campaign, 2020 marked strong progression for Sam Osborne as he scored his first top-ten finish and claimed fourth place in the Jack Sears Trophy. For his third season in the championship, the 27-year-old is keen to continue his development and really make his mark.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Motorbase Performance this year,” Sam said. “With this team, I can continue my progression in 2021. Last year I began to really settle into the series so my aim for this season is to keep pushing myself as hard as I can and fight for the Jack Sears Trophy.

“Everyone knows how fiercely competitive the BTCC is and that it takes time to adjust to. For me, that is a process I have now been through and it’s up to me to showcase what I am really about this year. With the car we’ve got and the team around me, I think I’ve got every chance and I can’t wait to get started.”

Andy and Sam will pilot two of the Mountune-powered Ford Focus STs, run in close collaboration with sister team MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square. The pair will also work closely with MB Motorsport drivers Jake Hill and Ollie Jackson to further aid development across both teams.

Motorbase Performance Team Principal, Shaun Hollamby, feels there is more to come from both Andy and Sam and is looking forward to helping them both to achieve this.

“I have a great relationship with Andy and Sam and collectively we have a few points to prove this year. That is something that is motivating all of the team as we look ahead to the new season. Both Andy and Sam possess a great deal of natural ability, which you can see from their past successes in various support series’ – the challenge for both of them this year is to showcase their true potential on a consistent basis.

“Andy and Sam know that they have the support of a great team of people around them and I have been hugely impressed by how motivated and determined they have both been as we have got back to work. We have a great deal of belief in both of them and look forward to them justifying that in the season ahead.”