Tom Oliphant to make BTCC debut in expanded Ciceley line-up

Former Ginetta GT Supercup champion Tom Oliphant will make the move into the BTCC for the 2018 season after agreeing a deal to join an expanded Ciceley Motorsport squad.

Having acquired the necessary TOCA BTCC Licence to expand to a two-car team, Ciceley will now run a second Mercedes A Class for the 27-year-old, who makes the switch to touring cars following a two-year stint in the Porsche Carrera Cup.

Oliphant will sample the Mercedes for the first time later this month when pre-season testing gets underway, with the full livery for his car being revealed at the BTCC’s annual Media Day event at Donington Park next month.

“I’m delighted to announce that I will be stepping up to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship this season with Ciceley Motorsport,” he said. “The BTCC is the biggest championship in the UK and it’s a fantastic opportunity for me and my partners.

“I’m under no illusions as to the challenge facing me this season. It’s my first season in touring cars and I’ll be coming up against a hugely competitive grid filled with talented drivers, but we’re up for the challenge and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.

“I’m really happy to be working with Ciceley Motorsport. They are a proven front-running squad in the championship and the Mercedes is an established race-winning car, which combined is a perfect platform for me to be competitive in the series from the off.

“We’re currently finalising deals with sponsors moving forward and look forward to announcing our partners in March, while we’re are always looking to get new companies on-board as we enter the highest-profile series in the UK.”

Russell Morgan, Ciceley Motorsport Team Principal, said he was delighted to bring Oliphant onboard as team-mate to his son Adam for the season ahead.

“These are exciting times for Ciceley Motorsport with Tom joining Adam Morgan,” he said. “We have two gifted young drivers peddling our Mercedes-Benz A Class in the BTCC this year.

“As soon as I heard that Tom was available we moved mountains in our quest to sign him. He is exactly the type of driver I want in my squad: professional in and out of the car and blisteringly fast. I expect him to do well in both the Independents and the Jack Sears Trophy.

“Although Tom has no front-wheel drive experience, our cars are very well balanced and we have a comprehensive pre-season test schedule arranged. I am confident that Tom will soon get to grips with the car and be on the pace straight away.”