Bobby Thompson will take part in the 2019 BTCC season after signing a deal to remain with Team HARD for a second successive year.

The 2017 Volkswagen Racing Cup champion joined the BTCC with the Kent-based squad to race one of its VW CCs for his maiden campaign in 2018 and scored a best result of seventh place at Rockingham on his way to 17th in the Independents Trophy standings.

The Essex racer says that continuity with the team was important in his decision to remain with Tony Gilham’s team.

“I learned so much last year,” said the 22-year-old. “The first half of the year was a bit of an education in just getting used touring cars, but once we had that learning process done, I felt ready to move up. We had some good meetings, but I am coming in next year with so much more knowledge and I want to put that to good use.

“Mike Bushell and I talked. He is very enthusiastic about our potential and between us, we have a strong direction to help the team move forward and I want to be part of that journey.

“We work well together and Mike has a lot of experience. My aim is to break into the top 10: and then, who knows what happens? This is the BTCC and you stand a chance from there. I just want to show the world what I am capable of.”

Gilham’s Team Hard operation is also confident of securing a third driver by the end of next week.

Gilham said, “Bobby is a very special talent and one that can go to the very top. He has amazing natural ability and will shine in 2019.

“We had a mixed season this year in the BTCC but Bobby’s performances were noticed by many and the whole team are behind him as we aim to move up the grid together.”