Morrison gets second Aon seat

Team Aon has announced late this afternoon that 38-year-old racer Alan Morrison is to race the second of its Ford Focus ST’s in this year’s championship. The Northern Irishman had been rumoured to be close to getting the seat for some time, and his return sees him pair up with Chilton once again just as he did the last time he raced in the BTCC in 2003. At the time both drivers were part of the works Honda squad, which was also run by Arena International who are now operating under the Team Aon banner.

Morrsion is aware of the massive challenge he faces ahead of him, especially after such a long time out of racing. “My deal has come together very late, but I’m really looking forward to racing with Mike and the team again,” he said. “This weekend at Brands will be quite an adventure. I’ve not driven anything for five years and haven’t had a chance to try the Focus yet so this first event is really going to be a test session for me. I know the team will do a fantastic job and make the challenge enjoyable.”

Team principal Mike Earle is clearly pleased to have Morrison back in his team, although he emphasised just how difficult the current economic situation has made things and how it has resulted in such a late confirmation of the second seat.

“The development of the cars has not been without problems, but that is to be expected,” said Earle. “We have to bring together many brand new elements such as engines and their control systems, chassis and suspension components, all without any assistance from the manufacturer – Ford.”

Interestingly, this week’s Motorsport News features an interview with Arena boss Earle, with the experienced team principal admitting how close the team were to securing official works backing in early 2008 before the true state of the recession halted all plans. “In the time frame we have had it has been a real challenge and every time the car runs we have a multitude of information to digest and respond to,” says Earle. Indeed the team were half way through the design of the cars before Ford withdrew all interest in the project.

“That process will still be going on through the first few races of the season. The target is to have developed the cars to a level where we can be competitive with the established teams in the first half of the season,” he added.

Morrison begins only his fourth season of racing in the BTCC this weekend.