Motorbase Performance has today (17 December) confirmed its two-car driver line-up for the 2022 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, with Sam Osborne and Ollie Jackson remaining with the Wrotham-based squad as the pair become team-mates for the upcoming campaign.
With the other half of the Motorbase garage, NAPA Racing UK, having announced just days ago the return of reigning Porsche Carrera Cup GB Champion and multiple BTCC race winner Dan Cammish, Osborne and Jackson are both equally determined to hit the ground running.
Worksop-based Osborne heads into his fourth year in the series and second with the team, having achieved a best overall race result so far of seventh in 2020, while during the latest campaign – his first driving a Ford Focus ST – a brace of top 12 finishes were his highest finishes.
Prior to his graduation into the BTCC back in 2019, Osborne spent two seasons in the Renault UK Clio Cup – finishing in the championship top 12 on both occasions – and prior to that he raced in the MINI Challenge.
For race winner Jackson, the 2022 campaign marks his fourth with the 2016 Independent Teams’ titleholders as well as his 11th year of BTCC action. The 37-year-old’s best season to date was in 2020, ending the year 12th in the overall standings and racing to a maiden victory.
Starting out his motor racing career in the Caterham Academy in 2005, Jackson became a multiple race winner over the following seasons before graduating into Porsche Carrera Cup GB in 2009. Winning the Pro-Am1 crown in 2010, he then moved into British GT the following year before making his BTCC debut during the penultimate event of the 2011 season.
For the 2022 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, Motorbase Performance will again field its potent Ford Focus ST race cars which now feature hybrid-powered Mountune-developed engines –per the championship’s push to utilise ‘greener’ technology. Once more, Motorbase will also be entered in the Manufacturers’/Constructors’ battle representing Ford.
Pete Osborne, Motorbase Performance Team Owner and Team Principal said: “I am so pleased to keep the continuity for Motorbase in both Ollie and Sam. In such a big year for the team, an element of stability is very important for us to push on this season. Ollie will be in his fourth year with the team and has two years of experience of the Ford Focus ST under his belt, along with a wealth of hybrid knowledge.
“For Sam, it’s the first time in his career he gets to drive the same car and with the same team for a second season, and I feel sure that will show in his results. For us, 2022 is the start of a new era at Motorbase and to have these guys around me is really important. There is a huge wealth of experience throughout Motorbase behind the scenes and with a few additions for the new season, I’m really excited about what the future holds for us.”
Sam Osborne said: “I’m really looking forward to my second year in the Ford Focus ST with Motorbase Performance, and also teaming up with Ollie [Jackson], it’s going to be fantastic having the continuity with everyone at the team. I feel I learnt so much last season, I really developed as a driver, and I’m ready now to take the next step and take things onto a new level. I really can’t wait for the season to start, these are exciting times at Motorbase!”
Ollie Jackson said: “I’m really pleased to be returning for my fourth consecutive BTCC season with Motorbase, especially in a year that is going to bring us some fresh challenges to dig our teeth into and a new dynamic to the racing. The team is fully focused on the hybrid installation at the moment and until we get back to racing I’m doing my best to support them on behalf of Mountune with my experience in Hybrid and Electric Vehicle development.
"I have every confidence that we’ll absolutely make the most of the system and it will be one of the best installations in the paddock. I’m putting a lot of effort in over the winter and the goal is to start putting some fresh silverware in my trophy cabinet as soon as possible and get back to winning ways!”
