Tony Gilham to replace Robb Holland at Brands Hatch

Tony Gilham will return to the BTCC when he replaces Robb Holland in the Rotek Racing Audi S3 for the season’s final event at Brands Hatch.

Holland has a clashing engagement on the Saturday of the meeting, and has decided to give up his seat to his former team boss Gilham, who ran four cars in the BTCC last year and has competed in more than 50 races as a driver.

“We would love to run two cars if possible next season but of course that depends on there being a licence available,” said Holland.

“We’ve already got six or seven drivers interested and Tony is one of them. He brought me into the BTCC and we’ve always had a good relationship. Maybe I owed him one – he’s a good guy, a good peddler and it was a perfect opportunity for all parties.”

Gilham, 35, who took a podium at Donington Park in 2012, said: “I’ve always wanted to race. It was frustrating at times last season to have brought four cars into the BTCC but not getting the chance to race any of them.

“To get this opportunity at Brands Hatch – my home circuit – is fantastic and I can’t wait. We brought Robb into the BTCC and now he’s bringing me back!

“I’ve put other people first for a long time and I’m still helping drivers in the VW Cup, so I thought it was about time I got to do something I really wanted to. Long term I’d love to come back as a team owner but returning to the series as a driver is also on my radar – I wouldn’t rule anything out.”