Rob Austin Racing has lost title sponsor WIX filters for the 2014 season, who will now move to rival Ciceley Racing for the 2014 British Touring Car Championship season. The US-owned automotive filter company will be on the new Mercedes A-class being developed by the Lancashire outfit for 2014, which will be driven by 25-year-old Adam Morgan.

Rob Austin Racing announced that they were unable to continue the association with WIX which began at the season finale of the 2012 Championship due to clashing sponsorship commitments.

The team competed at the final round of 2013 at Brands Hatch with WIX filter sponsorship on the #13 car of Rob Austin, and Exocet branding, a fuel additive company owned by Fuel Additives Science Technologies, on the #9 Audi A4 driven by Jake Hill.

“Sadly we are announcing that WIX Filters will not be continuing with its support of our team through into 2014,” said the team in a statement.

“While we greatly appreciate its support and our partnership in 2013, unfortunately its requirements for 2014 conflicted with arrangements already in place with existing sponsors.

“Our attentions now are fully focused on bringing on board exciting new partners for 2014 and the future. Clearly there is now a golden opportunity for other brands to join one of the most popular team-driver combinations in Britain’s premier motor racing championship and experience the same levels of exposure we have shown we are capable of delivering.”

WIX filters has now confirmed it will be sponsoring Ciceley Racing, who will enter their second season in the Championship after a successful debut in 2013, finishing seventh in the drivers’ standings with Adam Morgan.

“I am delighted to be partnering with WIX Filters for the 2014 BTCC season,” said Ciceley Racing team principal Russell Morgan.

“To have a global brand like WIX as our title sponsor for next year has been the icing on the cake for what is set to be a massively exciting year for Ciceley Motorsport. Introducing the new Mercedes A-class into the BTCC ranks with family member Adam at the wheel, we hope to continue on the successes of 2013. The enthusiasm WIX has already shown leaves us in no doubt that this partnership will be successful on and off the track next year and hopefully beyond.”