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The Inside Track with Team BMR: Our team is complete for this year's BTCC campaign

By Team BMR / MJP Media | 16 February 2016

James Cole completes our Team BMR driver line-up for the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship in the series debut Subaru UK manufacturer team and we couldn't be happier.

James Cole receives a warm welcome to Team BMR from Warren Scott

James will pilot our fourth Subaru Levorg Sports Tourer this season in what will be his fourth season in the BTCC. James is a former British Formula Ford Champion and we have attracted him from Motorbase Performance where he competed last year. Our project really excited James and he seems an excellent fit as a young driver who can bring a lot and will learn a lot from Jason and Colin.

Hailing from Southport, the centre of the North-West Riviera, James found a lot of success in his younger days and now it is his chance to step up to the plate in British touring cars. James and the team hit it off from the very start and both parties were keen to conclude negotiations. A delighted Warren Scott commented "It's great to welcome James to the team and I look forward to seeing how well he does in the Subaru Levorg. He has lots of experience to bring to the BMR team and I believe this is the right time and place for him to showcase his ability."

Team BMR with their 2015 Volkswagen CCs

James' racing career began in the 2007 BRSCC North West Formula Ford championship where he took the title, before progressing to the main UK championship the following year. He went on to win the British Formula Ford championship title in 2009 and was nominated for the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award. After graduating to British Formula 3 and then the FIA Formula 2, James made his BTCC debut in 2013. After all his single seater experience, the move to touring cars was a new experience and one which he has shown real promise in.

Speaking of his move team James stated: "I'm very excited to be joining Warren and the talented team of people he has brought together at BMR. I've still got loads to learn in the BTCC and I couldn't be in a better place to do that alongside Carl and Kevin, my engineer Richard Owen and two of the best BTCC drivers, Jason and Colin. My previous successes came in rear wheel drive so I believe a big step forward can be made this year. I would also like to thank Warren for this great opportunity. I intend to make the most of it."

Jason Plato will be one of James Cole's team-mates in 2016

Team Manager Alan Cole added: "I am pleased to welcome James to the team, I look forward to adding his rear wheel drive experience to our new project and I am expecting good things for the season as he learns from his team-mates."

The team continue the daunting task of having four Subaru Levorgs built and ready to reveal at the official BTCC Season Launch to be held at Donington Park on Tuesday 22nd March. Believe us, this is easier said than done because we rely so much on third parties, however Subaru are being magnificent with us and we can guarantee that we are doing everything in our powers to be ready. We will bring you more information on the new cars as it becomes available.

Team BMR

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