Motorbase Performance are pleased to announce that Andy Neate and Sam Osborne
will complete the team’s two-car entry and lead their campaign in the 2021 Kwik Fit
British Touring Car Championship.
Determined to both make their mark on the series this year, Andy returns to Motorbase
Performance looking to build on the relationship and work of last year while Sam joins the
team following an improved campaign in 2020.
After a prolonged absence, Andy returned to the series full-time with Motorbase
Performance in 2020 and worked hard to get to grips with the fierce competition across the
grid of the UK’s highest-profile racing championship. The new season will mark Andy’s first
time lining up in the same car over consecutive campaigns – something the Melton Mowbray-
based driver feels is an important factor.
“I’m more determined than ever this year,” Andy said. “For anyone, making it to the grid of
the BTCC is a fantastic achievement. For me, returning to the grid with Motorbase
Performance for a second consecutive season, something I have never done before, is
something I am really excited about.
“Last year for me, was not my best year, but after such a long time out and coming back into
such a competitive season, it really took me by surprise in terms of how much higher the
standard is. But now with that year under my belt, I am chomping at the bit to get going and
show my true performance out on track. The team and I have a great programme lined up
and I really am working harder than ever to showcase the results that I know I can deliver.”
Building on his debut campaign, 2020 marked strong progression for Sam Osborne as he
scored his first top-ten finish and claimed fourth place in the Jack Sears Trophy. For his third
season in the championship, the 27-year-old is keen to continue his development and really
make his mark.
“I’m thrilled to be working with Motorbase Performance this year,” Sam said. “With this team,
I can continue my progression in 2021. Last year I began to really settle into the series so
my aim for this season is to keep pushing myself as hard as I can and fight for the Jack
Sears Trophy.
“Everyone knows how fiercely competitive the BTCC is and that it takes time to adjust to. For
me, that is a process I have now been through and it’s up to me to showcase what I am
really about this year. With the car we’ve got and the team around me, I think I’ve got every
chance and I can’t wait to get started.”
Andy and Sam will pilot two of the Mountune-powered Ford Focus STs, run in close
collaboration with sister team MB Motorsport accelerated by Blue Square. The pair will also
work closely with MB Motorsport drivers Jake Hill and Ollie Jackson to further aid
development across both teams.
Motorbase Performance Team Principal, Shaun Hollamby, feels there is more to come from
both Andy and Sam and is looking forward to helping them both to achieve this.
“I have a great relationship with Andy and Sam and collectively we have a few points to
prove this year. That is something that is motivating all of the team as we look ahead to the
new season. Both Andy and Sam possess a great deal of natural ability, which you can see
from their past successes in various support series’ – the challenge for both of them this year
is to showcase their true potential on a consistent basis.
“Andy and Sam know that they have the support of a great team of people around them and
I have been hugely impressed by how motivated and determined they have both been as we
have got back to work. We have a great deal of belief in both of them and look forward to
them justifying that in the season ahead.”
