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The first Mercedes to hit the British Touring Car Championship in the modern era is set to start testing next month.



Adam Morgan finished seventh in the BTCC standings last season, driving a Toyota Avensis prepared by Ciceley Racing, but this year the squad will switch to a Mercedes A-class.



It will be the first Mercedes to appear in the BTCC since the 1980s and Morgan believes the project is on schedule.



"We're doing all the welding and fabrication before everything gets painted," said Morgan, who has secured sponsorship from WIX Filters.



"Then we can get the build underway - the plan is to be ready for testing by the end of February and everything is on course for that to happen."



Morgan confirmed that the NGTC regulations, which mean all the cars share a significant number of parts, have made the switch easier.



"We've stripped a lot of the components off my Toyota and fitted them to the new shell," added Morgan.



"Obviously there are some things that are brand new or needed replacing, but it's made life a lot easier.



"The Mercedes is smaller and has a shorter wheelbase, so it will handle differently. It's going to be really interesting for me to see how different they are."



The BTCC's official launch event has been confirmed for Donington Park on March 18.