Subaru enters BTCC with Team BMR 13 | 01 | 2016
SUBARU WILL RETURN to British motorsport this season after Team BMR confirmed it will run the new Levorg Sports Tourer in the British Touring Car Championship.
The decision pitches Subaru — the brand forever synonymous with world rally champ Colin McRae — against Honda, MG and BMW in the Constructors' Championship. The team will develop the car and engine, with support by the global resources of Subaru and Subaru UK.
“I am extremely delighted that BMR are to become a manufacturer team in only our 4th year of competing in the BTCC," team principal Warren Scott said. "I have had aspirations of becoming a race winning team with factory support from the very beginning and I am immensely proud of the team for giving Subaru the confidence in partnering BMR.”
The decision to enter the BTCC was also welcomed by Paul Tunnicliffe, managing director for Subaru UK & Ireland.
“We’re very excited to have teamed up with BMR for the 2016 championship, the first time a Subaru has competed in BTCC," he said. "We were keen to enter our new Levorg Sport Tourer as it offers class-leading aerodynamics and handling prowess in standard form.
"It can be easily developed into rear-wheel drive to comply with the BTCC regulations so we can’t wait to see how it goes against very established competition.”
The current plan is for a three-year agreement, with the team entering four drivers, including former champs Jason Plato and Colin Turkington.
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“Part of my role when joining BMR was to help secure a manufacturer deal," double BTCC champ Plat explained. "The iconic Subaru brand has always been right at the top of my wish list, obviously it goes without saying that I am very excited about our future together and I'm confident that BMR will produce a fantastic package for me to fight for the Championship. This really is exciting times for us all... I can't wait for the season to begin.”
Alan Gow, BTCC Series Director commented: “We are delighted to welcome another manufacturer to the BTCC and particularly one with such an incredible motor sport heritage.
"Subaru is an iconic brand with a huge following and its introduction to the BTCC is certain to excite our many fans around the world. I am sure the collaboration with Team BMR and its hugely experienced and talented driver line-up will make for a very successful partnership.”
With the start of the season just two months away the team are working flat out to get the cars built and ready in time for testing to commence in the next few weeks.
The official reveal will be during the official BTCC Media Day at Donington Park on Tuesday, March 22, ahead of its race debut at Brands Hatch for the first round of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship on April 2/3.
The road going Levorg GT uses the renowned Subaru Symmetrical All-wheel drive system and is powered by an all new 1.6T direct injection engine. Prices for the Levorg start at £27,495.
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Jim McGill