BTCC: PMR signs former GT driver Watson

Power Maxed Racing and MB Partners have announced that Andrew Watson will race for the team in 2023.

Andrew Watson will drive the Vauxhall Astra in the 2023 BTCC season, for his rookie year in the championship. The 27-year-old will add to his racing experience by racing the front-wheel drive Vauxhall.

Watson has raced in many GT championships since 2015, competing in British GT and the FIA World Endurance Championship. The Northern Irishman has raced at many iconic races, such as the Le Mans 24-hour, finishing fifth in class.

Throughout his time in the WEC, Watson has had multiple podiums in the championship. With class podiums at the 6 Hours of Monza and the 8 hours of Bahrain, and the gruelling Bathurst 12 Hour.

He is no stranger to the British Touring car paddock, racing in the Ginetta GT4 support series in 2014. Watson would take five race wins, one pole and 12 podiums throughout the year, finishing fourth in the championship.

The 27-year-old also has experience with the current hybrid systems used in the BTCC, as he was involved in developing the system in 2021 with MB Motorsport.

Watson said: “Getting the opportunity to compete in the BTCC is really exciting, The championship itself is highly competitive and offers a challenge which I am eager to tackle. From 2012 to 2014 I raced as part of the support package through the Ginetta ladder and I’ve always loved following the championship. 

“It’s a big change for me in a lot of aspects but the team’s knowledge and professionalism will help me on that journey. They have a background in forging the achievements of some of the current grid’s top drivers and that gave me every indication that this was the right match for myself, and I can’t wait to get out on track!

“I’d really like to thank everyone at Power Maxed Racing for this opportunity, which I’m very grateful for and I am looking forward to representing them out on track. It is going to be a completely different challenge and skillset for me but I’m going into it with my eyes wide open and fully committed to the task ahead.

“The challenge of front-wheel drive will be an interesting one, but I’m looking forward to tackling it and I have no doubt that with an experienced team around me, we will be able to surprise a few people this year.”

Team principal, Adam Weaver added: “We are looking forward to welcoming Andrew into the team for our 2023 BTCC campaign, He brings with him plenty of knowledge and racing ability and this will be crucial in our push for more success this upcoming season.”

“This is a great opportunity for Andrew to immerse himself in one of the most competitive and intense Championships in racing,” concluded Mark Blundell, CEO of MB Partners.

“He has great experience in a range of machinery at the highest level and he’s typically always been fast no matter what he has jumped in over the years – he is aware of the challenges he will be facing in his debut season, but we have no doubt he will do a fantastic job.”

Image: BTCC.net