Esmee Hawkey will sample BTCC machinery for the first time later this season after being named as a development driver by the MB Motorsport team.

Hawkey, who will continue to race in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB this year, will get the chance to drive the team’s FK2 Honda Civic Type R during the traditional mid-season test at Snetterton.

As well as getting behind the wheel of the car, the 22-year-old will work alongside MB Motorsport driver pairing Jake Hill and Sam Osborne – as well as team bosses Shaun Hollamby and Mark Blundell – on a wider programme designed to aid her development as a driver.

Hawkey finished third in the Pro-Am Class of the Carrera Cup GB in 2019 and was also part of the inaugural W Series grid.

“I am over the moon to be working with MB Motorsport throughout the 2020 season,” she said. “Last year was a great year for me, experiencing the W Series and continuing my development in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB but I feel like 2020 has to be the year that I take the next step in my career.

“For me, there is no better way than surrounding myself with people who have the knowledge and experience of making their own way up the motorsport ladder, which is exactly what I am trying to do.

“Working with the team across all aspects both on and off the track is going to be a huge help to my development. We’ve already started out on a great footing with some of the work behind the scenes to help me start the season strongly, and we’ll be building up to me getting behind the wheel in the middle of the season too, which I can’t wait for!”