Martin Depper will join Eurotech Racing for the 2014 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season to race a Honda Civic alongside defending champion Andrew Jordan in the Pirtek Racing squad.

The West Midlands-based racer has bought Jeff Smith’s Civic for his return to the BTCC, having previously raced a BMW during the 2010 season. Depper, 45, started racing in the MINI Challenge in 2005 and most recently raced in this year’s VW Cup.

Depper’s Honda will run in the Pirtek blue livery and with backing from Call Stream, the Warwickshire-based call management company.

“I wanted to put myself into a strong position so buying the Honda and getting Eurotech to run it takes away most variables and leaves it down to me,” said Depper. “I look forward to learning from Andrew about how to get the most from an NGTC car. I know the team can give me a competitive and reliable car from the experience of running the Civic in 2012 and 2013.”

Team boss Mike Jordan is delighted to welcome Depper to the team. “Martin has a good pedigree and I’m sure we can give him the support and experience he needs to really get to grips with the BTCC. We’ve already started a testing programme so that he is well prepared for the start of the new season.”