Motorbase considering building BMW 3-Series for 2015

Motorbase Performance boss David Bartrum says he is “very tempted” to build an NGTC BMW 3-Series to run in the BTCC in 2015.

Bartrum, who ran customer 3-Series models from 2008 to 2010, says the flexibility in the current rules would allow the team to build a BMW using parts from one of his existing Ford Focus STs.

He also said he would like to see long-serving Motorbase driver Mat Jackson behind the wheel. Jackson had his best year in the BTCC in 2008 in one of the German machines, and previously drove a 3-Series for Motorbase in 2010.

Speaking to TouringCarTimes, Bartrum said: “We’ve now got the facilities at Motorbase to build shells and build cars, and we are seriously thinking about running a 3-Series.

“It’s a thing we’ve been talking about and it keeps coming up more and more, that we would like to be rear-wheel drive again. We’ve got the licenses – we could build one car and keep the Fords.

“Because of the way NGTC is, it allows us the freedom to do it. You’ve got this common set of parts in the paddock on the GPRM parts truck – you’re not going to be carrying an extra set of spares.

“It is very tempting. I could turn my other Focus into a spares package. You can put it up on stands in the workshop and you’ve got a spare shell, and all the mechanical parts.

“You don’t lose any money by parking a car if you don’t sell it. I can cut my bills down on the other side, and that’s where these rules work. They give you a flexibility you never had before.”

Bartrum also said his loyalty to the German marque was another factor he was considering.

He said: “I still drive a BMW and have done for the last seven years, so I’ve still got loyalties there.

“It’s not a lot of work to do it, we’ve got the time and we’ve got the licence.”