MARCUS SIMMONS
BTCC
Ex-Le Mans 24 Hours racer Andrew Watson has switched to the Speedworks Motorsport Toyota set-up for his second season in the British Touring Car Championship.
The Northern Irishman makes the move after claiming 2023 title honours as a rookie in the Jack Sears Trophy for those who have not scored an overall podium in a BTCC race. That came thanks to an impressive campaign with the Power Maxed Racing Vauxhall squad, which featured two podiums in rain-affected races.
Watson, 29, is part of the same Mark Blundell-led MBP management stable as West Surrey Racing BMW star Jake Hill, and was linked with a berth at that team, which is still seeking a replacement for Carrera Cup-bound veteran Stephen Jelley. But he will instead form one half of the official Toyota Gazoo Racing UK line-up, with Josh Cook announced last week as part of the LKQ-backed ‘sister’ team.
“When we first came into the championship, Speedworks were among the people we spoke to and had our eye on,” said Watson. “But Power Maxed was the right place for my first year. It was then Mark and Alex Watts [MB managing director] who got back in touch with the team. When both sides of the coin want to do it, it makes it much easier for it to happen.
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