Mat Jackson replaces Motorbase BTCC drive with British GT deal

The 2008 BTCC runner-up has been at Motorbase since 2010 and has been retained by David Bartrum's outfit for this season despite it being set to miss at least the first half of the season with budget issues.

Jackson will instead partner Aston regular Phil Dryburgh in a third Motorbase V12 Vantage at the Oulton Park British GT opener on April 6, and has already tested at the Cheshire track.

"I am really excited about this because the cars are amazing," he said. "I am still smiling after my first test.

"It might take a little time to adapt, because it is a completely different technique of driving.

"I have done lots of mileage in supercars because I work as a tester for McLaren's road cars, but racing GTs requires a different mindset.

"I have to learn to work as part of a team and not be selfish, like you are in the BTCC."

Jackson said that the programme only included British GT at the moment, but he would be keen to expand his horizons.

"Every driver wants a manufacturer deal and those simply don't exist in the BTCC anymore, but there are chances in sportscars," he said.

"I would love to expand the programme and race all over the world, but that it not on the radar at the moment."

It is unclear whether Jackson will contest the entire British GT season, with the championship's Snetterton round clashing with the Knockhill BTCC event in the second half of the year - which Motorbase said it intended to enter.