Tom Oliphant will return with Team BMW for the 2021 British Touring Car Championship as the WSR-run team today reveals the second member of its three-car line-up.
The Leamington Spa-based 30-year-old enjoyed his best BTCC season to date last year as he scored his maiden series victory with the BMW 330i M Sport at Brands Hatch and added three further podium finishes to secure sixth place in the Drivers’ Championship.
“Tom made a big step forwards in 2020, which I think was largely down to having a year’s experience under his belt with the rear-wheel-drive BMW and feeling ready to push himself to the next level,” commented Dick Bennett’s, team principal. “We asked far more of him last year and he responded extremely well both on-track and off it.
“His first win at Brands Hatch – under incredible pressure from behind – was extremely impressive, as was his charge through the field at Silverstone from last to the top five. It was obvious to see how much he grew in confidence across the year and his constant improvement was key in enabling us to re-claim the Teams’ Championship for Team BMW. I think we’ll see even more from Tom in 2021 and that would be great for both him and us.”
The former Ginetta G55 Supercup title winner made a decisive step forwards in 2020 to score 50 more points than the previous year and remain in title contention up to the penultimate round of the campaign.
His efforts behind the wheel helped BMW to score a record-equalling fifth consecutive BTCC Manufacturers’ crown and enabled Team BMW to win a fourth Teams’ title in five years.
Tom will partner four-time series champion Colin Turkington for a third straight campaign meaning that WSR – who have won 14 BTCC titles (including 13 in the past seven seasons) have an excellent opportunity to add to their growing trophy collection.
The 64th British Touring Car Championship begins on May 8-9 at Thruxton, Hampshire, and takes in eight circuits the length and breadth of the country
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