Newsham will contest the eight-round British RX series in a Fiesta Supercar previously campaigned by Polish Rallycross champion Marcin Wicik.

“I’m really looking forward to a great season in British Rallycross. I love watching the action on TV, it is one of the most exciting forms of motorsport there is,” said Newsham, who won two BTCC races in 2012, driving a Vauxhall Vectra for the ES Racing team.

“I really enjoyed working with Power Maxed Racing last year and I am delighted to be remaining part of the family and looking forward to a long future with the team.

“Their professionalism and skill will stand us in good stead in British Rallycross. It’ll take a bit of getting used to as I’ve spent the last few seasons trying to avoid the gravel but getting behind the wheel of a 600BHP monster is going to be fantastic, I can’t wait.”

Power Maxed Racing team owner Adam Weaver is pleased to have retained Newsham in the squad for its inaugural British RX campaign. “I’m thrilled to continue our relationship with Dave, he is a highly talented driver and a great guy. It's great news for the team that he has agreed to take a sabbatical from the BTCC to help PMR in our development year in British Rallycross.

"I'm incredibly passionate about rallycross and its potential and bringing a proven name like Dave Newsham is not only good news for us, but good news for the championship. We are taking a phased approach into the championship, this year we will be entering a proven car before going on to build our own cars for 2017.”