DEPPER PROGRESSES TO BTCC DRIVE WITH CHAMPION TEAM

VW racer Martin Depper is moving up to BTCCC next season. Photo: www.jakobebrey.com

APR Volkswagen Racing Cup star Martin Depper is to graduate to the BTCC next season. Birmingham-based Depper, 45, has joined championship-winning team Pirtek Racing for his British Touring Car Championship return after two seasons of race-winning success in a Scirocco.

The Pirtek Racing team’s Honda Civics are prepared by Eurotech Racing; Martin will partner 2013 title-winner Andrew Jordan in the squad. “I wanted to put myself into a strong position so buying the Honda and getting Eurotech to run it takes away most variables and leaves it down to me,” said Depper. “I look forward to learning from Andrew about how to get the most from an NGTC car.”

Eurotech boss Mike Jordan is delighted to welcome Depper to the team: “Martin has a good pedigree and I’m sure we can give him the support and experience he needs to really get to grips with the BTCC. We’ve already started a testing programme so that he is well prepared for the start of the new season.”

Depper started racing in 2005 in the Mini Challenge, winning the Mini championship title in ’08. He raced in the BTCC in 2010 in a Forster Motorsport BMW before turning his attention to the VW Cup, in which he took two wins on his debut in 2012 in a KPM Racing Scirocco. Martin won twice more this season on his way to championship fourth.

APR Volkswagen Racing Cup championship manager Matt Walker said: “It’s always pleasing to see a VW Cup driver graduate to a great series like the BTCC. Martin certainly made an impression on this championship during his time with us, and I am sure he will turn a few heads next season. Everyone in the Volkswagen Racing Cup paddock wishes him all the best with his new challenge.”