Funding issues force Motorbase out of opening 2015 BTCC rounds

The team lost title sponsor Airwaves at the end of last year, a deal that paid for double champion Fabrizio Giovanardi to race one of its cars in 2014, and has struggled to replace that funding.

Motorbase, which has competed in the BTCC since 2006, winning 12 races, was also tasked with developing a new EcoBoost engine for this campaign and Bartrum said the decision to skip the opening rounds was not taken lightly.

"It is with regret that I have to announce that Motorbase will not be competing in the BTCC for the first half of this season," said Bartrum. "I and the rest of the team are obviously very disappointed.

"We genuinely believe that we have a strong package that could challenge for the title this season; but this is not a championship that can be committed to half-hearted and unfortunately our hand has been forced.

"We have been in lengthy talks with two potential title sponsors since November and all seemed like it was going to plan, however things have conspired against us in recent weeks and due to a change in circumstance with those parties we find ourselves in the position we're in.

"In the meantime, we'll press on and strive to be back on the grid for the second half of the season."

Bartrum insisted the team, which has grown its GT division in recent years, would continue in the BTCC subject to a positive resolution with series boss Alan Gow over its two TOCA BTCC Licences.

Discussions have taken place between the two and while no commitment has been made to allow Motorbase to retain its TBLs, AUTOSPORT understands Gow is willing to assess the option due to it being a long-serving team.

Frontrunner Mat Jackson and 2009 British Formula Ford champion James Cole, who raced for United Autosports last year, will race the team's Ford Focuses if it can return.

"This does not mean the end for Motorbase in the BTCC," Bartrum added. "Both Mat and James are still on board and we remain committed to the BTCC. We will continue our search for new partners and our aim is to be back on the grid at Snetterton.

"We will of course work with Alan Gow and TOCA to find the best way forward to be back competing for the second half of the season with a two-car team.

"Obviously that will include finding a way to address the TBL issues that our short-term withdrawal raises."

Successful sportscar Team Parker Racing will take over the operation of Alex Martin's Dextra-backed Ford Focus.