Motorbase switch to BMW

The squad spent 2007 running SEAT Toledos for Matt Allison, Tom Ferrier, Gareth Howell and, more latterly, Paul O'Neill, but have elected to switch to more up-to-date machinery in a bid to improve on their fourth place in this year's Independent's title race.

Team boss Dave Bartrum has already taken delivery of one of the 2007 320is, which will be upgraded to 2008-spec by the start of the season, from Schnitzer's workshops in Austria.

The switch of machinery means that Motorbase will be converting from front to rear-wheel drive. But, with a background in GT racing, that should not prove much of a problem.

No drivers have yet been named but 2007 pilots Allison and Ferrier, and Porsche Carrera Cup frontrunner Steven Kane are all in the frame.