Team HARD has made the first move in the driver market this off-season, today confirming reigning VW Cup champion Bobby Thompson as its first signing of the 2018 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

20 year old Thompson will be entering his third season with the team, but his first in the BTCC.

"Bobby is an outstanding young talent and we’re excited to see how he fares against the top touring car drivers in the country,” said Team HARD principal Tony Gilham.

"We have a very strong package and we are improving all the time as a team.

“He has already proven to us that he has what it takes to compete at the very top and it is great to have got this deal done very early to give us the maximum amount of time to prepare over the winter. It is a big step up but one that we believe he is more than ready for and have no doubt that he will do us proud."

"I have had a fantastic year winning the VW Racing Cup and now Team HARD has given me the opportunity to step up to the BTCC,” said Thompson. "I’m absolutely over the moon, it’s been my dream for as long as I can remember.

"I never had any intentions on trying to get to Formula 1 or anything like that, it’s always been touring cars and it’s always been the BTCC.