GT racer Alex Martin gets Motorbase British Touring Car Ford seat

Motorbase ran three Ford Focus STs in 2014, with team leader Mat Jackson finishing fourth in the drivers' standings.

Now 27-year-old Martin, who has raced in the Porsche Carrera Cup, GT Cup and Ferrari Challenge, has been confirmed for next year. He will compete under the Dextra Racing banner.

Martin has already tested the Focus at Snetterton and Silverstone.

"I've wanted to do the BTCC for a while now," he said. "It's something that I've been looking at for the last few years and it's great that it's finally become a reality.

"The BTCC continues to go from strength to strength and the competition on the grid is second to none so I know I have a big job on my hands.

"Testing has gone very well so far, I have a lot of experience but I'm well aware that I have a huge challenge ahead of me both in terms of learning the style of the BTCC and also getting to grips with a front-wheel-drive car."

Motorbase boss David Bartrum said: "We've spoken to Alex many times over the past few years and know him from his Porsche Carrera Cup days with Team Parker so it's great to finally see him in the BTCC.

"We've been evaluating Alex alongside other drivers, and he did a great job in the Focus.

"He knows he has a lot to learn but I'm confident that as a very competent GT racer, Alex will get his head around the Focus in no time at all."