Harvey returns to BTCC for testing

Harvey, who won the 1992 title in a Vic Lee-run BMW, has not raced a contemporary BTCC car for six years, instead racing in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB and winning this year's title.

But Motorbase chief David Bartrum believes his experience will be of great value to the BMW squad, who ran Steven Kane and Rob Collard this year.

"With Tim having such great experience in a wide range of race cars, we felt he would be the perfect choice of test driver to help us during the close season," Bartrum said.

"We will be looking for him to give us some really detailed feedback on where the car can be developed and assist us in taking another step forward in performance.

"We lacked a little bit of testing before the start of the 2008 championship and that hindered us a little in the first half of the season. This time we are going to leave no stone unturned so that we are 100 per cent ready for the first race of 2009."

Harvey, 47, played down speculation of a BTCC race return next year, but said that he was looking forward to driving the 320si nonetheless.

"It's really the only type of car that would tempt me to race in the BTCC again, so it will be great to see what the 320si is like from the driving seat." He said.

"Motorbase went from strength to strength during the 2008 season, so hopefully I can help them move forward again by giving the team some useful input. From a personal point of view it will also be interesting to see how the latest Touring Cars compare to the last time I drove one.

"Although I can't see myself returning to drive in the BTCC right now, I like to keep my options open, and this testing experience will bring me up to date with what's required to set good times in a really competitive car."

SEAT Cupra UK champion Jonathan Adam will also have a run out with the team on Tuesday, while Carrera Cup front runner Michael Caine and SEAT Eurocup racer James Nash will take over driving duties on Wednesday.