Hunter Abbott stays with Rob Austin's Audi BTCC team for 2015

Abbott, a race winner in Ginettas and Porsche Challenge Benelux runner-up prior to his BTCC debut last year, had a difficult introduction to tin-tops, finishing 20th in the standings with a best result of 10th.

Though that compared to 12th place and a race win for Austin, Abbott's team boss thinks that a year's experience and upgrades to the RAR Audi A4 will allow him to become a regular top 10 challenger this year.

"We're extremely happy to have Hunter back," Austin told AUTOSPORT. "He's an absolutely top guy and a good driver who deserves another chance to show what he can do.

"I don't think he did himself justice last year, but it wasn't always his fault. The top 10 should be a more regular occurrence."

Austin said continuity from main backers Exocet and Duo PLC, plus Abbott's sponsor AlcoSense, meant the team had been able to concentrate on upgrading its two A4s over the winter.

"We've done a huge amount of work," he added. "I've had high expectations in the past and I don't want to get it wrong, but the car's going to look very, very different from the outside and underneath. I'm very confident."

HARD PICKS GALLAGHER

Meanwhile, the returning Team Hard outfit has announced Kieran Gallagher will drive its ex-United Autosports Toyota Avensis in the BTCC this year, subject to TOCA approval.

The 24-year-old, who made his BTCC debut with the team at Knockhill in 2013, was due to race for its Clio Cup UK outfit this year.