3rd Motorbase BMW 2009

[#1JamesThompsonFan]

In Motorsport News, I read that Bartrum, is looking to race a 3rd BMW for Motorbase, Which is great news for the series and gives added competition to the field.

[AndySpeed]

I read that and wondered - how long until half of the BTCC field becomes BMW's, like in the WTCC?

It's good to hear, although I do fear that the lack of variety in car building at the moment could lead to more of the same models being campaigned by independent outfits.

[MBailey06]

I don't think variety is a big issue at the moment because the BTCC has 4 stable manufacturers involved (although Honda and BMW are not actual manufacturers), with Chevrolet and MG as independents, and you don't just have to use cars you see in the WTCC, how about cars from the STCC? I'm sure as soon as a team uses an STCC car there will be many teams using cars like Audis and Peugeots to recreate that added variety.

[SEATFreak]

I don't think variety is a big issue at the moment because the BTCC has 4 stable manufacturers involved (although Honda and BMW are not actual manufacturers), with Chevrolet and MG as independents, and you don't just have to use cars you see in the WTCC, how about cars from the STCC? I'm sure as soon as a team uses an STCC car there will be many teams using cars like Audis and Peugeots to recreate that added variety.

Didn't Alan Gow sign some kind of agreement with the STCC for the trade of cars (customer) to happen recently? The STCC would get cars like the Honda Civic and the BTCC would get the likes of Peugeot, Audi and Volvo.

[LiamM]

It wasn't a trade, the BTCC and STCC agreed to accept each others local homologation rules. Therefore cars that haven't raced in the WTCC - and hence are not FIA homologated can race in either series, for example the Civic and C30

[peewhee]

For a team to run three cars in the present climate, they must be getting considerable help from BMW..

Perhaps this is a hint as to who will be the BMW 'Works' team?

[mattie007]

I think any of the BMW teams has a chance of works backing, but my bet is WSR. They deserve it.

[Jon411]

As much as I would love it to be WSR with BMW backing, I think if it does happen, it would be a surprise if it wasn't Matt Jackson - seeing as he's in the Dealer Team, and also seeing as they apparently had a top engineer from Andy Priaulx's RBM team at the last weekend at Silverstone

[VkmSpouge]

Jackson's team has done very well, had they a second driver throughout the season they could have been in a position to get 3rd place in the Teams' Championship.

[tisme]

I would just like to say on this thread... Well done to Motorbase Performance team at Brands Hatch!

I didn't realise watching the TV coverage, they walked away with 5 trophies. They got 2 second places (races 1&3), 1 third place (race 1), 1 independant win in race 3 and the Teams Award for the meeting!

Apparently team boss David Bartrum broke part of the podium when he collected his award. I wish the TV would show more podium activities.

So 3 cars next year should be no problem..

[MG2004]

I agree - a fantastic weekend for Motorbase. Well done to all involved.

As the season has gone on they have just got better and better (and it is not as if the competition has been slacking either!)

As a long term Rob Collard supporter it was really great to see him back on the podium, and scoring good points all weekend. He also out qualified hs team mate for this meeting - well done Rob, hope to see you back next season picking up where you left off.

And Steven Kane has been an absolute star - must be rookie of the year - look forward to more of the same next year.

[VkmSpouge]

Both Steven Kane and Rob Collard did perform very well at Brands Hatch and throughout the second half of the season. Things do look bright for Motorbase.

[BDunnell]

Once again, I have to take back some previous adverse comments about Collard — his drives at Brands were further proof of his ability in a touring car. He and Kane have made a splendid team in 2008.

[Jon411]

I was really pleased to see Motorbase up at the front at Brands. They have really impressed me in the second half of this year and in terms of performance, all 3 BMW teams are now so even that I don't think you can say that one of them is better or worse than the other 2.

[MattL]

I would just like to say on this thread... Well done to Motorbase Performance team at Brands Hatch!

I didn't realise watching the TV coverage, they walked away with 5 trophies. They got 2 second places (races 1&3), 1 third place (race 1), 1 independant win in race 3 and the Teams Award for the meeting!

Apparently team boss David Bartrum broke part of the podium when he collected his award. I wish the TV would show more podium activities.

So 3 cars next year should be no problem..

There's a video of the podium ceremony from race three on Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEIv18bskXg

[Les]

There's a video of the podium ceremony from race three on Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEIv18bskXg

oh thanks for that MattL I was really disappointed that it wasn't on the box. I see what they mean by Dave breaking the podium and just who was Steven chasing through the crowd?

[PDS]

oh thanks for that MattL I was really disappointed that it wasn't on the box. I see what they mean by Dave breaking the podium and just who was Steven chasing through the crowd?

His dad!

[Les]

and was he suitably drenched?


Motorbase overtook the Jordans at the end... pity the season didn't start about July time

[Chrism]

Heard that a certain Mr Plato has been speaking to motorbase

[cos]

I'm sure many people have spoken to Motorbase, but there's no way any independent team will be able to afford to pay Plato.

[VX_Rules]

Does he need to be paid? He's got many things on the go.

[tisme]

I'm sure if Plato wants to stay in the BTCC and the team wants Plato, then some sort of deal could be done!

[cos]

Does he need to be paid? He's got many things on the go.


I'm sure if Plato wants to stay in the BTCC and the team wants Plato, then some sort of deal could be done!

It won't happen. Plato's used to receiving a large salary from a manufacturer, because they know how much he is worth with regards to improving their brand. Most sponsors of independent teams don't have that kind of cash to throw around. Remember 2002, when there was a lot of talk about GA signing Plato?

[tisme]

It won't happen. Plato's used to receiving a large salary from a manufacturer, because they know how much he is worth with regards to improving their brand. Most sponsors of independent teams don't have that kind of cash to throw around. Remember 2002, when there was a lot of talk about GA signing Plato?

So, what you are saying is that Plato has no interest in winning the BTCC drivers title! He is just there for the money?

[Chrism]

If Plato is as "passionate" toward the BTCC as he says money shouldnt come into it. And im sure Plato comes with a string of sponsers.

[MattL]

On the subject of Motorbase...it really was a season of two halves if you look at the points they picked up in the Teams Championship:

1st half: 37
2nd half: 136

In the second half of the season, Motorbase were only outscored by VX and SEAT - pretty impressive!

[BDunnell]

On the subject of Motorbase...it really was a season of two halves if you look at the points they picked up in the Teams Championship:

1st half: 37
2nd half: 136

In the second half of the season, Motorbase were only outscored by VX and SEAT - pretty impressive!

That's what comes of having a strong two-car team with two evenly-balanced drivers. WSR lacked that in 2008.

[240PS]

Well done Motorbase performance Steven and Rob .Its good to see someone had courage to say sorry to Rob about some of their comments.When I spoke to him at Silverstone he seemed to be quite hurt by some of the stick he got.
Anyways that said hope to see them start next year as they ended this.Great to see them support a great charity HELP FOR HEROES and hope they keep with it next.I know who I will be following next year now that Seat have pulled out and they are a local team as well.