Michael Caine makes BTCC return for final two rounds

Michael Caine will return to the BTCC for the final two meetings of the 2019 season after securing a late deal to join Motorbase.

Caine, made his series debut with the team back in 2013, will take the place of Nicolas Hamilton after he saw sponsorship issues bring his programme to a premature end earlier this week.

The deal ensures that Motorbase will be able to remain a three car team for the rounds at Silverstone and Brands Hatch, with Caine’s Ford Focus RS running with support from Pro Alloy alongside the Shredded Wheat-backed cars of Tom Chilton and Ollie Jackson.

“It’s well known that Michael Caine is Motorbase through and through,” team principal David Bartrum said. “We have an obligation to run the third car for the rest of the season or risk losing our TBL. He’s a safe pair of hands and knows the team inside out so was the obvious choice to jump in at the final hour.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Pro Alloy and Michael’s sponsors for stepping up with support to make this happen.”

Caine, who last raced in the series with Team HARD last year, said he was pleased to confirm his return.

“When there was a seat come up with Motorbase to drive a touring car I was always going to be throwing my name in the hat,” he said. “I didn’t get to finish the season last year, so it’s good to have this chance to come back and finish the job with Motorbase.

“I don’t have any expectations heading into this weekend. I’ll just take everything as it comes.”