Jackson to race new Ford Focus RS for Motorbase

Bosses of Motorbase Performance revealed an updated Focus at the Autosport International Show in Birmingham. The restyled car features the latest RS-spec bodywork. Chilton signed for the team just after Christmas.

Jackson, a 31-time race winner in the BTCC and former championship runner-up, will remain with the team for a ninth consecutive season.

He said: “It’s great to be back with Motorbase for another crack at the championship. I’m looking forward to it immensely.

“I know that the guys have been hard at work over the winter to improve the pace of the car and there’s been a huge amount of hard work that’s gone in from their side.

“We’ve got a whole new set-up this year with the RS and a new teammate in Tom on board for the season.

"It’s going to be an exciting season, and we’re hopeful that the changes will put us in good stead to battle for the BTCC title this year.”

Team head David Bartrum said: “Both Mat and Tom have fantastic proven track records which speak for themselves and they are both hungry to become the 2018 BTCC champion.

"They have great respect for each other professionally and already get on well, which is great for the dynamic of the team.”

Restyled Focus for 2018

Motorbase Performance will also bring the RS name back to the BTCC grid for the first time since 1991 when the reshaped machines take to the circuits in 2018.

Bartrum said that the new look had been in development for months at the squad’s Kent workshops.

“I’m a Ford fan through and through,” said Bartrum. “The RS name in my DNA from when I raced [production saloon] Ford Sierra RS Cosworths back in the day so I’m over the moon to bring them back to the BTCC as part of the Motorbase stable.

“The RS styling suits the BTCC bodywork so well, the styling is aggressive and has given the Focus a whole new look.

"The team have done an excellent job over the winter, it’s not just been a case of updating a few bumpers, a lot of development work has gone into this car and we’re confident that the improvements will show on track.

The team will now head to Spain to conduct its pre-season testing.

Matt James