Motorbase chief targeting success with new package.

Motorbase Performance team boss David Bartrum has admitted that his team will face a big challenge heading into the 2008 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship season.

The Kent-based squad switches to ex-Schnitzer BMW 320sis for the 50th anniversary BTCC campaign, with BTCC returnee Rob Collard joined by one of Motorbase's successful Porsche Carrera Cup racers Steven Kane.

The team was amongst the last to formalise its plans for the season ahead, with the two drivers only being officially named at last week's media day at Rockingham, but Bartrum said he was happy with the package in place.

"We have been lucky enough to secure a pair of very, very good cars for the 2008 season," he said. "It was a personal goal of mine to get these cars at the end of last season, and after some hard work during the winter, it has finally all come together. We obviously start off a year behind the teams that ran these cars in the UK last year, but we're not going to let that put us off!

"I think we've got an excellent driver line-up this year. I'm pleased that Steven has stepped up to the BTCC with us after showing everyone how quick he is in Porsches last year. In Rob we've got a proven BTCC race-winner and I really believe that they will compliment each other extremely well."

Bartrum added that his team will not contest the supporting Carrera Cup during the coming season to focus solely on its BTCC commitments, with the focus firmly on chasing Independents' success and outright podium finishes.

"There are probably 17 cars out there that could win races this year," he said. "It's going to be tough, but we are 100 per cent committed to giving it our all. We're taking a sabbatical from the Porsche Carrera Cup this year to focus on the BTCC, and those that know me will know how much that means to me.

"2008 is going to be a major building year for us. I've had enough of getting to know a new car each year, so this is about the long term. We have an excellent setup in terms of engineering staff and I'm confident that we can give as good as we get. 2007 was tough, and I think 2008 is going to be very challenging given the other teams and drivers on the grid, but we intend to give it our best shot.

"We didn't quite make it onto the podium last year, so that has to be a big target for this season. I'd like to think we'll rack up a few independent victories. It's going to be a big challenge and it won't be boring, that's for sure!"