Neate announces new team for 2013

Andy Neate has confirmed that he will run his own team for the 2013 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season.

Neate - who has driven for WSR, Team Aon and MG in recent years - has formed the IP Tech Race Engineering team to run an NGTC-spec Chevrolet Cruze in the series this season, with the car being developed with assistance from RML.

RML will also produce the NGTC-spec engine that will be used in the car during the season ahead.

"What sets this programme apart from others is that this is entirely our car, bolts up," he said. "I'm fortunate to have some exceptional equipment at my disposal including the very latest fluid, temperature and airflow simulation software, and clearly the expertise to maximize on the potential it provides. Put that together with two of the most respected and talented design engineers in the business, Phil Overall and Geoff Kingston and a raft of seasoned professionals in the workshop then you've got more than a fighting chance of success. Not forgetting to mention the much sought after Hannah James whom will spearhead the growth of the team commercially.

"Competing successfully in the BTCC is so much more about the people behind the doors and not necessarily the name above it. Experience of the personnel and engineering talent is key. I felt the timing was right to take advantage of the experience I've gained as a driver and the global recognition I have earned as a chief technical officer of engineering.

"Coupling these attributes with the collective of the best people around me that I could hope for, suggests success cannot be far away."

Neate's Chevrolet will be a saloon version similar in appearance to the S2000-variant used by RML and Tech-Speed in recent seasons.

Rival outfit BTC Racing has already announced plans to run a hatchback version of the same model.